This article is about the language. For the place, see Aldmeris.
Map of Summerset Isle, using Aldmeris script
Aldmeris, sometimes called Ald Aldmeris,[1]Old Aldmeris,[2]Aldmeric,[3]Aldmeri,[4]Elven,[5]Elvish,[6] or Old Elvish,[7] is an Elvenlanguage that originated from the eponymous Aldmer. It is viewed as a glorious and beautiful tongue compared to Tamrielic.[8] Aldmeris is not limited to words, boasting alternative manuscripts for musical notation[9][10] and measuring numerology.[2]
In his original exploration of Tamriel, Topal the Pilot taught the Birdfolk of the Ruby Isles Aldmeris, in both spoken and written form.[4] The Dwemer wrote many of their documents in Aldmeris.[11] Until High Rock joined the Alessian Empire, Breton nobility used Aldmeris to signify pride in their Elven origins.[12] By the late Third Era, Aldmeris was still taught across the Elven nations of Tamriel and used in Elven arts. Any educated Elf during this time was expected to be able to read and write the language. Some isolated Elven communities spoke it as their first language.[6]
Aldmeris itself is descended from Ehlnofex, the language of the Ehlnofey.[UOL 1] When it came to Tamriel, it branched off into several other languages, including all of the modern Elvish languages such as High Elvish, Bosmeri, Dark Elvish and Orcish, as well as older or extinct languages like Ayleidoon, Old Orcish and Velothi.[6] These offshoot tongues maintain a close resemblance to Aldmeris.[11][6][UOL 2] When creating a runic transcription of the oral Atmoran tongue, Ysgramor used the principles of Aldmeris.[13]
Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.
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