Chakobsa
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Chakobsa is a fictional language used by the Fremen people of the Dune universe created by Frank Herbert. In the series of novels which begins with Dune, the language is said to be based on another fictitious language, the Bhotani Jib.
Examples of the language from the books are actually a mixture of Roma (or gypsy) language, from a gypsy magic textbook Herbert used for reference, one sentence in Serbo-Croat and various Arabic terms, with definitions altered slightly to suggest the passage of time.[citation needed]
Contents |
[edit] The Dune Encyclopedia
![A canon example of Fremen language, as created by Mike H. Lee, Josh Dixon and John Quijada[citation needed]](../../../../images/local/thumb/e/ec/Fremen-typeface-sample-3.png/200px-Fremen-typeface-sample-3.png)
The non-canon Dune Encyclopedia (1984) by Dr. Willis McNelly includes extensive descriptions of the Fremen language. The Encyclopedia was approved by Herbert but rendered erroneous in some areas through Herbert's later works in the Dune series.
[edit] 2003 miniseries
The 2003 Sci Fi Channel TV miniseries Frank Herbert's Children of Dune includes a song by Brian Tyler entitled "Inama Nushif", which has lyrics sung in Fremen. According to miniseries director Greg Yaitanes, Tyler "searched through Herbert's books and deciphered enough of the fictional Fremen language to write this powerful song." [1] Inama Nushif translates as "She is Eternal." [1]
[edit] Textual example
An example of Chakobsa is seen in the ancient funeral ritual of the Fremen in which the water of a dead tribesman is magically blessed: "Ekkeri-akairi, fillissin-follas. Kivi a-kavi, nakalas! Nakalas! Ukair-an ... jan, jan, jan ... .[2]
(Translation "This is the water of (the new owner). Never the more to be measured or counted by the heartbeats of (the old owner). Go, go, go...")
[edit] Notes and references
- Herbert, Frank. Dune. New York City: Berkley Books, 1965
- McNelly, Dr. Willis E. The Dune Encyclopedia
