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Khajiit Speech - Roleplay Guide

  • Member
    February 6, 2015

    Of the ten races in Tamirel, no one has a more interesting pattern or difficult pattern of speech then the Khajiit, yes? Many citizens know of our third person antics and today, this one will be showing you how to replicate the Khajiit manner of speech. Should be fun, no?

    To be one hundred per cent clear, not every Khajiit speaks in third person. Some, such as Kharjo, slip in ‘I’s rather than their name and this can possibly be explained by those Khajiit being away from Elsweyr and from being integrated into other societies and cultures. Speech is not racial, it is cultural.

    - Speak in third person, use your name rather then I.

    “J’kiir welcomes you, friend.”

    - When needing to refer to oneself more than once, alternate between your name and ‘This one’.

    “J’kiir believes that he is innocent, yes. This one did not steal anything.”

    - Using ‘This one’ is also an acceptable way to address another Khajiit (but not always).

    “This one needs something?”

    - Using ‘Khajiit’ is a way of addressing the race as a whole, themselves or another Khajiit.

    “Khajiit are a fine and proud race.”
    OR
    “Khajiit believes that he should leave Dro’vassa’s home!”

    - Likewise to the second rule, a Khajiit will alternate between another’s name and ‘Khajiit’ when speaking to them.

    “J’kiir believes that Khajiit is misunderstood, for he is Dro’vassa’s friend.”

    - Khajiit do not often shorten words and sound quite formal when speaking.

    “This one does not (instead of doesn’t) understand what Khajiit is asking.”

    - ‘You’ is not often said; rather they use the race of the person they’re speaking to if they are not Khajiit. They will address friends with their name, however. Racial slurs are also common.

    “This one thinks that the Nord is a great ugly brute.”
    OR
    “What does the knife-ear want, hm?”

    - Khajiit will often attach ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to the end of their questions. ‘Perhaps’ is also sometimes used.

    “This one needs help, yes?”

    - Khajiit will sometimes say ‘Hmm’ before speaking.

    “Hmm, this one is not sure her ears heard correctly...”

    - Khajiit will make reference to Elsweyr to their kin when speaking, especially when bidding farewell.

    “May your road lead you to warm sands.”

    - Lastly, Khajiit are opinionated! Share your thoughts, even when not asked.

    “Khajiit is unsure if this is wise... This one does not intend to become a rug.”

    Other Resources:

    Khajiit Speak Overhaul mod

    Ahziir Traajijazeri lore book

    Khajiit lore article on USEP

    Word of Clan Mother Ahnissi to her Favoured Daughter lore book

    Cherim's Heart of Anequina lore book

  • Member
    February 6, 2015

    Excellent work!  I'm tempted to find an excuse to link to this post from the Lore Group because it is very insightful. May I suggest adding Cherim's Heart of Anaquina as a resource? Cherim doesn't alternate terms when referring to himself but this shows an exception to the norm and highlights why alternating is favourable.

  • Member
    February 6, 2015

    Thanks, Phil! Feel free to link it, as it fits there as well, and yes, I will add that book there 

  • Member
    February 6, 2015

    Great  You can now find this in The Directory under the Khajiit category.

  • Member
    February 6, 2015

    Whoo! Something in the lore group! 

  • Member
    February 6, 2015

    Dem tags doe.

  • Member
    February 6, 2015

    Yeah, not very exciting is it  Putting something there is a great way to guarantee it'll be ignored

  • Member
    February 9, 2015
    Awesome work Tae, as co host of Roleplaying, I give this my stamp of approval! *Now I need to actually get a stamp of approval*
  • Member
    February 20, 2015

    Nice! It's easy to take things like this for granted when coming up with authentic dialogue. Thank you for making this little resource, Tae. 

  • Member
    February 20, 2015

    Thanks, Okan!