polemos:4th_age:languages:agothonian [Earth Sphere]

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====== Agothonian ======
A language family originating from [[..:factions:agothos|Agothos]], commonly found all across the western world in one form or another.

===== Koine =====
Meaning "common", Koine Agothonian is the modern language of the Republic of Agothos, blended and influenced by the languages of its various satellites and trade networks to grow popularity well beyond its homeland.
Along with [[vernick|Vernick]] it serves as a shared tongue for the western world as a diplomatic language for peoples opposing the 39 Shards, as well as generally anyone interested in trade near the Diagenean Ocean.
Most people have some exposure to Koine, and almost all educated people have a working fluency, preferring to communicate through a shared knowledge of Koine instead of needing translation between a myriad of local tongues.

===== Filonian =====
While not technically a separate language, or even a proper dialect, Filonian is spoken in Filon and eastern Agothos.
It is characterized by basic Agothonian grammar and vocabulary, but with very different expressions, usage, accent, and preferred script.
People speaking Koine and Filonian can communicate readily with only minimal frustration and re-explanation.
Filonians most commonly write using Malian script, but the custom in eastern Agothos is to use the Filonian dialect with Agos script. 
Many a scholar, teacher, and tavern patron have debated which is the "first" or the "correct" dialect.

===== Axial =====
Also called "Classical" Agothonian, the Axial dialect claims direct descent from the tongue spoken in Agolos City in the second age.
While it is also the closest parent to the modern Koine dialect, and shares many close similarities to it, Koine's popularity means it is almost always preferred when speaking, even in formal settings like the Senate.
Rather, Axial finds continued use in literature, ancient courtly or religious rituals, and other scholarly pursuits.

===== Eredocian =====
A dialect of Agothonian spoken on the [[..:factions:Osgani]] steppes by a legendary people, with origins in a famed army that crossed Centras during the [[..:..:3rd_age:events:elesh_rebellion|Great War]].
Eredocian lacks most of the innovations made by Koine, but has made changes of it own in the intervening centuries.