Matoran (Language)
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| This article is about Matoran Language. You may be looking for the species or the alphabet. |
The Matoran language is the language used by the Matoran and other beings in the BIONICLE language. The language itself is primarily displayed in English for readers and fans to understand the storyline, although certain words and prefixes remain untranslated.
The Matoran language is complex and has many dialects. These dialects are often kept similar enough so that Matoran, or other Matoran-speaking beings, can understand each other. Treespeak (known as Chutespeak on Metru Nui), which is spoken mainly by the Le-Matoran of Metru Nui and Mata Nui, is a form of Matoran slang.
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[carve] Words
Much of the language is similar to the Earth-based language of English. However, most objects, places, and beings have more bizarre and foreign-sounding names. There are a few Matoran words which meanings can be translated into English:
[carve] Nouns
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[carve] Verbs
- Zya
- Attack (archaic)
[carve] Prefixes/Suffixes
- Av
- The prefix meaning "Light"
- De
- The prefix meaning "Sonics"
- Fe
- The prefix meaning "Iron"
- Ga
- The prefix meaning "Water" or "Liquid Protodermis"
- Ka
- Spirit
- Ko
- The prefix meaning "Ice"
- Le
- The prefix meaning "Air"
- Nui (NOO-ee)
- Great
- Onu
- The prefix meaning "Earth"
- Po
- The prefix meaning "Stone"
- Ta
- The prefix meaning "Fire"
Several complex terms can now be created, such as Kini-Nui (Great Temple), Onu-Wahi (Earth Region), Mata Nui (Great Spirit), Kanoka Nui (Great Disks), Ta-Suva (Fire Shrine) and Nui-Kopen (Great wasp).
[carve] Kanohi
The various names of Kanohi mean the powers of the masks, not the shapes. As such:
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Each of the above terms, coupled with the word "Kanohi" before it, describes a certain mask. Many BIONICLE fans often disregard this rule in conversation because these words don't resemble any Earth language. Also, the context is often enough to understand what the speaker is saying.
[carve] Slang and Miscellaneous
- Brother/Sister – A title that roughly means 'partner' or 'comrade in arms'. The title is normally used by those who work closely together, or fight for the same cause, usually in the same group. Nearly all Toa call other members of their team brother or sister, and often continue to call each other by the title after becoming Turaga. Artakha and Karzahni also refer to each other as 'brother', though Karzahni uses the term bitterly.
- City of Legends - A nickname for Metru Nui. This term was created by The Shadowed One during the Toa/Dark Hunter War, as he claimed "well and truly a city of legends since, as is well known, most legends are about the dead."
- Dermis shell weather - Bad weather. Predicted by Dermis Turtles when they hide in their shells for no apparent reason.
- Foolish as a Sand Snipe - Foolish
- Fire-spitter - Used to refer to Ta-Matoran, usually as an insult.
- Goatdog - Pahrak Va
- Hold your Rahi - Slow Down
- Kolhii-Head - Dolt ("Akilini-Head" is the equivalent from Metru Nui)
- Lava Bones/Makuta Bones/Vahki Bones/Rahi Bones - as good as dead (e.g. "We're Vahki bones!" -- Nuhrii, Trial by Fire).
- M&D - Visorak shorthand for "mutation and disposal".
- Nuparu's Folly - A nickname given to the Kralhi.
- Old War Rahi - A veteran of war and battles.
- Rahaga - The name given to the Toa Hagah when they were mutated to look like small Rahkshi-headed creatures. This name was made up by Roodaka (Rahkshi + Hagah ).
- Roodaka - This Vortixx's name has become a slang word for treachery due to her betraying of both the Dark Hunters and the Brotherhood of Makuta.
- Shambler - Matoran under the effect of Vorzakh Stun Staffs.
- Spiriah - The name of this Makuta has become a slang word for failure due to his unsuccessful experiment on the Skakdi.
- Stalking Kinloka - A nickname given to the Kinloka used on Zakaz to set off traps ahead so that the Skakdi will have a clear path.
- Surfacer - Onu-Matoran name for a Matoran from another region.
- Toa of Twilight - Term coined by Radiak for Takanuva after his Shadow Leech attack due to him possessing both Light and Shadow powers.
- Tunnel Fox - Nuhvok Va
- Whistling past Makuta's lair - Speaking excessively or constantly, sometimes about one's courageous acts, to draw attention away from the fact that the speaker is afraid.
[carve] Treespeak
Treespeak is Matoran slang often used by Le-Matoran of Mata Nui. Chutespeak is Matoran slang often used by Le-Matoran of Metru Nui.
[carve] Grammar
The grammar of the Matoran language is similar, but not completely identical, to English. Plurals are the major difference; any Matoran-based word seemingly has no plural form, and therefore it must be taken from context whether they are talking about an individual or a number of creatures. Also descriptives words are sometimes placed after the word described, as in Metru Nui, which is translated as "Great City" not "City Great".
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