Type: Creole soul-speech (Spanish + Bantu/Yoruba + Magical Tone Layering)Used By: Nightingale, soul-handlers, grief-midwives, spirit negotiatorsTone: Warm, spiritual, rhythm-bound—can shift to divine authority instantlyCultural Role: Rituals, soul contracts, lullabies, threat banishment, sacred bureaucracy
1. Alphabet & Phonetics (with Emo-Tone Layer)
Espiritareño Nyika has 18 base glyphs, built on sound + breath + intent.
Tone marks (breath, laugh, hiss, hum) modify meaning
Stroke slants (in writing, emotion alters curvature)
GlyphPhonemeSymbol TypeEmotional BaseAahOpen vowelOpenness / OfferEehSharp vowelResistance / ClarityIeeTight vowelInsight / MemoryOohRound vowelAcceptance / SoftnessUooDeep vowelSorrow / RootednessN'ngNasalGrief anchorK'kehHarsh stopBoundaries / BanishingThthWhisperedSecrets / WindZzheBuzz-tonePower / GlamourMmuhHummingComfort / PresenceLlehLiquid flowBlessing / FlowTtuhTapWarning / MarkVvehVibratoConnection / VowDduhDropFoundation / PastYyahJoy burstYouth / PlaySsahSoft hissMagic / IntentionXkheScratchDisruption / ErrorRruhRollCycle / Return 2. Grammar & Sentence Structure
Verb-First: Verbs always lead.
Example: "Protect soul-child" → Guarda ni'alma
No direct 'I' or 'You': Uses roles instead (e.g., Madre = me, Niño = you).
Tonal suffixes: Emotional intent alters suffixes.
Example: -hum = comfort, -ssah = threat.
No tenses: Time is metaphorical (e.g., cold star = future).
3. Syntax & Word Formation
Double root = vow/truth → Luz-luz (sacred light), Guarda-guarda (promise to protect).
Glide words = connectors → ti, na, sho = "and / if / from" depending on tone.
Role words replace pronouns → Madre canta = I sing, Niño duerme = you sleep.
Emotion overrides subject → Canta. (on a sob) = "I remember them" or "Sing for the dead."
4. Sample Vocabulary WordMeaningNotesNi'almaSoul-childSoftest form of addressThaeBind, affirmUsed to sign contractsZula'mSafe space / wardWhispered in lullabiesCrav'elGrief-echoSpoken in mourning ritesGuardaTo protectAlso "promise with the body"Oxi'taOutcast / chaos beingCurse for corrupt spiritsKura-naTo heal softlyRepair memory / therapyMira-miraVision-truthProphecy dialect 5. Tone Markers (Emotional Inflections) Breath/ToneModifierHum at endComfort / BlessingSigh before wordMournful / Past-basedLaugh toneJoyful vow / LoveClick at endFinality / CurseHiss overlayWarning / Taboo
Examples:
"Guarda ni'alma~" (with hum) → I cradle the soul
"Guarda ni'alma!" (sharp) → Back off, I protect this one
"Guarda ni'alma…" (sigh) → I failed to protect them
6. Written Form
Mediums: Burned into vellum, painted on soulglass, whispered on shadow-scrolls.
Glyphs are circular coils/snail-shells spiraling around a soul-center dot.
Emotion encoded by curvature:
Tight swirl = anger
Loose flow = forgiveness
Split stroke = paradox
Signature Stamp (Nightingale):A triple-glyph spiral used to close scrolls.
7. Common Ritual Phrases PhraseLiteralFunction"Ni'alma, duerme. Luz guarda."Soul-child, sleep. Light protects.Calming a soul"Thae luz-luz, madre canta."I vow by sacred light, mother sings.Love-based soul contract"Crav'el oxi'ta. Mira-mira zula'm."Sorrow cast out. Truth sees sanctuary.Exorcism / cleansing"Guarda-guarda, ni'alma hum~"I promise, child, softly.Pre-battle farewell