Theocracy of Xochimechatl
LANGUAGES

Xochimechatlan
The largest language of the Theocracy of Xochimechatl is known as Xochimechatlan. Originally, it consisted of three separate but closely-related languages, generally known as North, Central, and South Couatlan. These languages were spoken by the Couatlans, the largest ethnic group of Xochimechatl. Around a hundred years ago, however, it was decided that the state should have a single united language, and so a new standardised language, originally known as Xochatlan, was formed out of the three. Now that the country is known as Xochimechatl rather than Xochatl, the language has changed as well. Initially, the language was intended to supercede Chitec and Irominan as well (hence the name Xochimechatlan, rather than simply Couatlan), but in actuality, it only succeded in replacing Irominan, with Chitec still being spoken widely.

Xochimechatlan is a relatively regular language (mostly as a result of reforms made to it at the same time that it was standardised). Its grammar is somewhat different to the grammar found in most places, however, and its pronunciation tends to be difficult for foreigners to master. It also has a tendency towards long words.

The Xochimechatlan language is written in a script originally borrowed from the Chitec, but due to the differences between the two languages, it has been very heavily modified. Even with this modification, however, the script is not very well suited to the language, and there have been calls to replace it with the Liliani script. These proposals have been opposed on the grounds of cost (replacement of documents, signage, and so forth), history and tradition, and national pride, and it does not seem likely that any change will be forthcoming.

More information on the Xochimechatlan language is available from the Alvare Institute, a Lendosan research organization. Click here for their Xochimechatlan pages.

Chitec
The Chitec languge is distantly related to the Xochimechatlan one. It is spoken by the Chitec people of northern Xochimechatl, and has existed as a unified language for considerably longer than Xochimechatlan (which was originally three separate languages). In ancient times, it was the language of poetry and literature.

Chitec is a complex language, with many intricacies of grammar and syntax. While this complexity generally follows a logical pattern, it can make it difficult to learn. Its pronunciation, however, is quite simple, and not as different to most foreigners as a phonetic system such as Xochimechatlan's might be.

The Chitec language is written with a script which it developed on its own, with no outside influence. As such, it is well-suited to the language, and has not required any adaptions. It is completely phonetic.

Irominan
The Irominan language is now extinct as a primary language, only retained in religious and political ceremonies. While there are efforts underway to revive it, it is not currently in use beyond those functions, with Xochimechatlan being used instead. It is thought to be distantly related to both Xochimechatlan and Chitec, but this connection is so distant that almost no actual connection can be seen in modern speach except those which have been borrowed in modern times.

Irominan is a fairly simple language in terms of its grammar and structure, although it also has a high number of irregularities. In terms of its phonetics, the language is distinct from both Xochimechatlan and Chitec, with a number of "strange" sounds which are not common to many languages in the world.

Irominan had no script of its own until Iromina's conquest by speakers of what was to become Xochimechatlan. As such, it originally adopted the Xochimechatlan script, but it was eventually decided that the Chitec system fitted Irominan better. As such, Irominan is usually written in the Chitec alphabet.

Lendian
The main non-native language of Xochimechatl, Lendian was brought by colonists settling on Xochimechatl's eastern coast. It is centred around the city of Ravenniara, the wealthiest city of the island, and it is used as the language of business in most parts of the country, particularly for international transactions. It is the most popular second language learned by speakers of Xochimechatlan.

The Theocracy of Xochimechatl is a fictional state on the world of Vexillium.