The Koleg alphabet, a unique writing system developed in 2018 by Danish linguist Carl Avlund, serves as the script for the constructed language Kotekkish (pronounced Koteḳ). “Koleg” translates to “our writing” [kɔˈlɛχ], while “Kotek” signifies “our name/reputation/rumor” [kɔˈtɛkʲʰ]. Although categorized as an alphabet with distinct letters for consonants and vowels, Koleg exhibits an intriguing characteristic: certain consonant letters can function as vowels depending on their placement within a word. This fascinating script evolved from the logographic writing system of Old Kotekkish. The fictional Stone Age people known as the Taks (tak in Kotekkish), inhabiting the equally fictional Kovāk islands, are the speakers of this language.
While Koleg is generally straightforward, certain nuances require attention. Simple stop letters like pok, taj, koš, cin, and tlav—distinct from their “strong” counterparts (nedlom/nedlej/cineš)—undergo voicing when positioned between vowels or at the end of a word. However, long vowel letters, certain diphthong letters, and all triphthong letters possess a “sharp” quality (šosom/šosej), causing a subsequent simple stop letter to become voiceless, contrary to its usual voiced pronunciation in that position.
Key Features of the Koleg Alphabet
- Writing System Type: Alphabet
- Writing Direction: Left to right in horizontal lines
- Languages: Standard Kotekkish (Tlōnain region) and various Kotekkish dialects
- Phonetic Features: Simple stop letters become voiced between vowels or at word endings; some short vowel letters can also represent consonants.
- Traditional Medium: Written on the paper-like bark of specific trees
- Size and Scope: Comprises 106 letters, 14 numbers, and additional symbols
The complete Koleg alphabet, showcasing its unique characters and structure.
Accessing Koleg Resources
You can further explore the Koleg alphabet with these helpful resources:
- Alphabet Chart: Download a Koleg alphabet chart in Excel format
- Koleg Font: Download a Koleg font
Delving Deeper into Constructed Scripts
The world of constructed languages and scripts extends far beyond Koleg. Explore these related topics for a broader understanding:
- Constructed scripts for various natural languages, including Ainu, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, Hawaiian, Hungarian, Japanese, Korean, Lingala, Malay, Indonesian, Persian, Tagalog, Filipino, Russian, Sanskrit, Spanish, Taino, Turkish, Vietnamese, and Welsh.
- Specialized scripts like color-based scripts, tactile scripts, and phonetic/universal scripts.
- Constructed scripts specifically designed for constructed languages.
- Adaptations of existing alphabets for new purposes.
- Fictional and magical alphabets used in creative works.
Conclusion: Unveiling the Intricacies of Koleg
The Koleg alphabet stands as a testament to the creativity and complexity that can be achieved in constructed languages. Its unique features, such as the positional voicing of consonants and the dual nature of certain letters, offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of language design. By utilizing the provided resources and exploring the broader field of constructed scripts, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity behind Koleg and its place within the wider world of linguistic innovation.
