Kash is a constructed language influenced by Ursula K. Leguin's The Left Hand of Darkness and features a complex phonology, well-thought-out grammar, and unique syntax features.
Kash has a noun system that distinguishes between animate and inanimate objects, exhibits sensitivity to animacy, and utilizes various derivational suffixes for verbs.
Deep dives
Main Ideas
The podcast episode features a constructed language called Kash, created by Roger Mills and strongly influenced by Ursula K. Leguin's The Left Hand of Darkness. Kash won an award called Smiley, given to ConLangry that make David Peterson smile. Kash has a complex phonology with unique sound changes and interesting phonetic rules. The language also has a well-thought-out grammar with various syntax features, including relativization and idiomatic derivations.
Nouns and Verbs
Kash has a noun system that distinguishes between animate and inanimate objects, with different cases for each. The language also exhibits sensitivity to animacy throughout its grammar. Verbs are categorized into stative, action, and experiential types, with various derivational suffixes to indicate causation, echoativity, and accidents. The language also has a unique auxiliary verb system and interesting uses of reduplication.
Dictionary and Other Features
Kash has an extensive dictionary that includes etymologies and derivations for each entry. The language features captured pieces, which include interjections, conjunctions, and prepositions, while loose pieces encompass bound morphemes. The number system follows a Chinese-like system, and Kash includes aspect-infused dishes, a common dish during the 1950s. Other sections on the website include native grammar, cultural notes, recipes, and even a wedding ceremony.