Language Phonology and Creation Notes

Bilabial Obstruents: More likely to be voiced.
Velar/Uvular Obstruents: More likely to be voiceless.
Voicing: Distinctions in voicing tend to occur in between bilabial and velar/uvular obstruents.
Implosives: Become less common moving inward from the lips.
Ejectives: Become less common moving outward or inward from the velum.

Sibilants: Strong acoustically (i.e., [s]-like and [ʃ]-like sounds).
Nonsibilant Fricatives: Weak acoustics; can be confused with one another (e.g., [f] for [v], [h] for [ɦ]).
Opposite Rounding Vowels: If a language has an opposite rounding vowel (i.e., front rounded or back unrounded), it will often also have the regular version (e.g., if a language has [y], it will also have [i]).
Low Vowels: Most commonly unrounded (e.g., [a] vs [p], where [p] is less common).

Definition: A set of rules that determine which combinations of sounds form coherent words in a language.
Example: English phonotactics do not permit a word like [tnssa]; modifications such as pronouncing it [t*anzia] may occur.
Importance of Phonotactics: Helps identify language and prevents native phonotactic rules from infringing on constructed languages (conlangs).
Syllable Structure:
- Definition: A syllable consists of an onset (optional) and a rhyme (not optional).
- Rhyme: Can include a nucleus (the vowel) and a coda (the ending consonant).
- Diagram:
  - $ ext{oO}$ = Syllable, $ ext{w}$ = Onset, $ ext{p}$ = Rhyme, $ ext{v}$ = Nucleus, $ ext{kK}$ = Coda.

Open vs Closed Syllables: Some languages allow closed syllables (with coda), but not all (e.g., Hawaiian has only open syllables).
Onset Restrictions: Certain sounds may not begin a word (e.g., in English, [n] cannot start a word).
Ambisyllabicity: Certain sounds may function as both onset and coda.
Geminates: A long consonant; an example is how the [s] in "Miss Sally" is held longer than in "Miss Ally".
Selectional Restrictions: Some languages impose additional restrictions on which consonants may be allowed in onsets or codas.

Definition: Classification of sounds based on how likely they are to serve as the nucleus of a syllable.
Hierarchy Order (Least to Most Likely to be a Nucleus):
- Oral Stop > Affricate > Fricative > Nasal > Approximant > Vowel
Reversed Order (End of a Syllable):
- Vowel > Approximant > Nasal > Fricative > Affricate > Oral Stop
Notable Examples: Different languages arrange consonants differently based on their sonority (e.g., English vs Hungarian).

Languages often enforce more restrictions on codas than onsets.
Examples of Unusual Codas in English: e.g. strengths [staen@θ], worlds [waldz], sixths [stksθ], fifths [fɪθs], crafts [krafts].
Repair Strategies: Different languages have different strategies to maintain phonotactic integrity (e.g., English removes initial clusters, while Spanish has stricter rules on fricatives and stops).

Starting Point: Limited initial vocabulary from George R. R. Martin's work, such as words like "khal," "khalasar," and "dosha."
Key Rules for Dothraki Creation:
1. Ensure spelling and pronunciation align with fan expectations and character resonance.
2. Avoid English sounds while establishing unique phonetic qualities.
3. Maintain a phonetic inventory with distinct sounds.
Phonetic Inventory Example:
- Labial: {
  - Stop: p,
  - Fricative: f,v
- Dental: {
- Stop: t,d,
- Nasal: n
- Alveolar: {
- Stop: k,g
- Palatal: {
  - Affricate: tʃ
  - Stops: dʒ
    … list continues with all consonants and vowels.
Stress System: Last syllable stressed if a word ends in consonant; otherwise, penultimate or first syllable stressed based on weight.

Character of Dothraki achieved through the intentional use of certain sounds (e.g., geminates, trilled sounds, uvulars, etc.).
Primary Goals: Aim for distinctiveness in sound, structural patterns, and rhythm that reflect the intended language culture.