The Zurvár Language (Surfarian)

This page is a guide to various terms, acronyms and phrases used throughout the Institute's website. It is under constant expansion (by which we mean new terms are added on the rare occasion that our undergraduates are bored of playing hallway soccer and can't find anything to watch on TV). Please peruse this list before sending us time-wasting emails along the lines of "What's a 'daqirè'?" or "What does 'Dè Cirikò' mean?"

(Please note: Terms begining with the plurifier mon are indexed by their second word. ie: Mon Dolfin is indexed under 'd' not 'm'.)

Á-Sá-Rû: "AS-3". The third of the mon Arèáná Safárè, analagous to Pluto. Commonly called Plûtò and occasionaly Yugoþ.
Á-Sá-Tò: "AS-4". The fourth of the mon Arèáná Safárè, analagous to Charon. Commonly called Ceron.
Á-Sá-Ver: "AS-2". The second of the mon Arèáná Safárè, analagous to Neptune. Commonly called Neptyûn.
Á-Sá-Zad: "AS-1". The first of the mon Arèáná Safárè, analagous to Uranus. Commonly called Yoranus.
Akiritan: "Sky Beacon". The fifth and largest planet in the Zurvár Arèáná solar system, analagous to Jupiter.
Altáká: The sun/star of Zurvár Arèáná.
Altákerek: "Sunmote". The first planet in the Zurvár Arèáná solar system, analagous to Mercury.
Arèáná Kirû: "The Red Planet". The popular, unofficial title of the fourth planet in Zurvár Arèáná solar system, analagous to Mars. See Konsâtèum Arèáná.
mon Arèáná Safárè: "The Distant Planets". The presumed seventh, eighth and ninth planets of the Zurvár Arèáná solar system, analagous to Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
Bal: See Gorat Balzad Zurvárurn
Brozyá: A traditional Zurvár intoxicant similar to alcohol, refined from several varieties of seaweed. 'Light' brozyá causes mild itoxication with associated losening of inhibitions and feelings of wellbeing. There is slight mental impairment, but physical reflexes are usually enhanced for the first few hours after consumption. Hangovers are mild, consisting of drowsiness and slight physical uncoordination, unless massive quantities are consumed. 'Heavy' brozyá is more or less identical to alcohol in it's physical and mental effects. Most settlements refine their own varieties of brozyá and much pride is taken in the flavour and quality of the local brew.
mon Burzum Dolfinár: Designated Dolfin Spaces on Zurvár Arèáná
"Cetacean Areas". Those parts of Zurvár Arèáná ceded to the mon Dolfin as exclusive territorial zones in ST0075. Dolfin Space (as these areas are generally referred to in English) are exempt from Zurvár law and under direct control of the Koreb Dolfinurn Tárlán. Under the terms agreed to by the KDT any vessel can enter Dolfin Space without permission, but must obey certain restrictions including not approaching closer than 1km to land, not dumping any waste, not engaging in any agricultural or fishery activity and limiting speed. Waters within 64km of Pùlost Yestur are a special case, no vessel may enter this area without the explicit permission of the KDT - a privilage that has very rarely been granted.
Ceron: See Á-Sá-Tò
Dak Bombá: "Furthest Beach". The southernmost settlement on Zurvár Arèáná located at 87° 23' S, 138° 5' W Dè Cirikò. Founded by the Konsâtèum in ST0082 as a polar research station and astronomical observatory. Since its linking to the Trànà network in ST0093 it has become something of a tourist attraction and exotic holiday location, and several large hotels cater to those who find the idea of six continuous months of daylight or darkness appealing. It has a permanent population of around 200, with visitors numbers rising as high as 1500 at certain times of year. Its name is often (incorrectly) translated into English as "Bombay Beach".
Damoncá: Any being that travels through probability. Often translated into English as 'Demon'.
Daqirè: A daiquiri. A drink that has become unaccountably popular on Zurvár Arèáná, although usually made with brozyá rather than alcohol.
Dè Cirikò: See De Chirico Co-ordinates
De Chirico Co-ordinates: The system of latitude and longitude used on Zurvár Arèáná. Longitude is calculated from a prime meridian based on the spatial location of the city of De Chirico on Metaphysica. To convert De Chirico co-ordinates to Earth's Greenwich based system, add 2° 25' to latitudes west, and subtract it from latitudes east.
Deñè: Punctuation mark - a 'break'. Indicates that the preceeding voldránì does not combine with the following pereþ.
Demon: See damoncá
Dì: See Gorat mon Dìad Mantábon
Dìaz: See Gorat Mantábon Dìaz
mon Dolfin: "Cetaceans". A general term for the sentient marine mammals (several species of dolphins, porpoises and small whales) that colonised the oceans of Zurvár Arèáná in the ST0070's. The mon Dolfin originally inhabited the Pacific Ocean of Otherworld One. In ST0072 they contacted Zurvár resident on Otherworld One and requested asylum on Zurvár Arèáná to escape increasing pollution and hazards such as drift net fishing. Their request was granted, and 1,238 cetaceans were relocated. In ST0075 a number of remote and uninhabited island chains were ceded to the mon Dolfin as exclusive territorial zones exempt from Zurvár law and under direct control of the Koreb Dolfinurn Tárlán or Cetacean High Council - these areas are refered to as mon burzum Dolfinár or "Dolfin Space". The current Dolfin population of Zurvár Arèáná stands at around 2000 (accurate figures are not forthcoming from the mon Dolfin who take an extremely relaxed attitude to statistics) and relations between the Dolfin and Zurvár inhabitants of the planet are excellent.
Dolfin man Zurvár Korebal Metrek
: "Cetacean and Zurvár Friendship Organisation". An organisation obstentiously devoted to fostering and maintaining friendly relations between the Zurvár and Cetacean inhabitants of Zurvár Arèáná. Regarded by many as nothing more that a club for juvenile malcontents of both species who enjoy pulling elaborate (although mostly harmless) hoaxes and jokes on the rest of the population while laughing like maniacs.
Dolfin Space: See mon Burzum Dolfinár.
Emer Arèáná: "The Night Planet". The moon of Zurvár Arèáná. Also called Emer Rèaklan, "The Night Surfer".
Emer Rèaklan: See Emer Arèáná
Gorat Balzad Zurvárurn: "First City of the Zurvár". De facto capital and second largest city (pop. c600,000 in ST0104) of Zurvár Arèáná. Founded by the Konsâtèum in ST0066. Official headquaters of the Konsâtèum and location of the Oliská Konsâtèum, the tallest building on Zurvár Arèáná. Generally referred to as "Bal". The city flag features the traditional Konsâtèum colours, and the Konsâtèum crest. A silouette of the Oliská was added in ST0080. Location: 8° 34' S, 113° 15' E Dè Cirikò.
Gorat Bárkalif Ganalû: "City of the Great Blue Bay". The largest city on Zurvár Arèáná with an estimated population of 650,000 in ST0104. Founded by the Konsâtèum in ST0066. Famous for its eponymous bay, the Kûbrik mon Rapat (Bridge of Swords) and its heavy reliance on wind turbines for power generation. Generally referred to as "Kalif". The city flag features the bridge, and a wind turbine. Location: 37° 50' N, 124° 11' W Dè Cirikò.
Gorat Bármárgiv: "City of the Great Lake". One of the smaller cities with a population of about 50,000 in ST0104. Founded by the Konsâtèum in ST0070. Best known for the Bármárgiv Ganalû (Great Blue Lake). Generally referred to as "Márgiv". The city flag features a golden anchor for the city's harbours and two blue strips for the lake. Location: 33° 56' S, 112° 40' E Dè Cirikò.
Gorat Karaþ Dárgurn: "City of the Western Karaþ". Pop c120,000. Founded by private subscription in ST0066. Generally known as "Karaþ". The city flag features a traditional takal symbol. Location: 17° 22' S, 120° 05' Dè Cirikò.
Gorat Mantábon Dìaz: "Free City of the Pine Tree". The smallest of the eight cities with a population of about only 20,000 in ST0104. Founded by dissenters from Gorat mon Dìad Mantábon in ST0069. Generally known as "Dìaz". The city flag depicts a star and a cresent moon - representing the close conjunction of Emer Arèáná and Mirandá over the ocean on the evening of the official city founding - and the flag of Gorat mon Dìad Mantábon - symbolising the settlers' origin. Location: 27° 59' S, 151° 0' E Dè Cirikò.
Gorat Mìam Doráþû: "City of the Golden Dawn". Pop c110,000. Founded by the Konsâtèum in ST0067. Generally known as "Mìam". The city flag features a traditional takal symbol in gold, and an eight arched bridge representing the eight major bridges of the city. Location: 27° 43' N, 83° 22' W Dè Cirikò.
Gorat mon Dìad Mantábon: "City of the Pine Groves". Pop c60,000. Founded by private subscription in ST0069. Generally known as "Dì". The city flag shows one of the pine trees that give the city its name. Location 33° 53' S, 148° 51' E Dè Cirikò.
Gorat Sûlbarn Hì: "City of Evening Breezes". Pop c400,000. Founded by the Konsâtèum in ST0066. Generally known as "Hì". The city flag features the traditional Konsâtèum colours and the word "Hì". The grey "tranázár" figure was added after the demonic incursion of ST0075. Location 20° 21' N, 159° 58' W Dè Cirikò.
Hárùq Kanad: "Guard Sealion". A domesticated breed of sealion - one of the only two animals domesticated by the Zurvár. Watch Seals (as Hárùq Kanad is usually - though inaccurately - translated into English) are chiefly used to protect kelp gardens against fish predation, although it is not unsual for them to be treated as community pets. A watch seal has smooth, dark, comparatively hairless skin, stands up to a metre tall, and has a shorter snout than an Earth sealion, resulting in a face more like that of an Earth seal. They are at least as intelligent as Earth dogs and are notable for their loyalty, playfulness and curiosity - although they are a shallow water species and tend not to stray far from their home harbours. Deliberately hurting or killing a Watch Seal is considered reprehensible, and eating one (except in the most extreme circumstances) unthinkable. As an alien predator within Zurvár Arèáná's ecosystem mon Hárùq Kanad numbers are strictly monitored. There is only one wild colony (on Pùlost Hárùq, just off Dak Pales in Gorat Bárkalif Ganalû) whose population is kept to around 300 via a regular sterilisation program.
Hašek: "Cinder". A theoretical planet inside the orbit of Altákerek. Now believed non-existant.
Hì: See Gorat Sûlbarn Hì
Kàdašlan (mon): "The Dancers". The four largest moons of Akiritan.
Kaþ Kárdá: "Peace Force". The group responsible for maintaining law and order within a Zurvár city. A combination police and paramilitary group the responsibilities of Peace Force Officers range from traffic control all the way up to leading the defence of the city in a military emergency. Each of the eight cities has it's own independent Kaþ Kárdá which answers to the city council.
Kalif: See Gorat Bárkalif Ganalû
Karaþ: See Gorat Karaþ Dárgurn
Karatár: "Domination". Unofficial, punning name for Keredár.
Kazramaq: A low, salt tolerant shrub of the wormwood family common in equatorial regions of Zurvár Arèáná. The name (which means "fur leaf") refers to the characteristic fuzz on the plant's leaves. It is useful for a number of purposes including as an insect repellent, a worming draught and (in small quantities) for flavouring of food and drink. Consumed in sufficient quantity (either orally or via smoking the leaves) it is a hallucinogen, although it finds little use as a recreational drug as the quantities required for hallucinogenic effect are dangerously toxic. It is usually translated into English as "wormwood". Kazramaq may also refer to Pùlost Kazramaq Plaz Ranaden.
Keredár: "Order". Official name of one of the presumed two moons of Konsâtèum Arèáná. See Karatár.
KDT: See Koreb Dolfinurn Tárlán
KKEA: See Konsâtèum Koreb mon Eket Akaláret
KKET: See Konsâtèum Koreb mon Eket man Tomenak
KKMK: See Konsâtèum Kredatèn Mametak Kelkertaklá
Kolarat: "Blowhard". Unofficial, punning name for Tolákat.
Konsâtèum Arèáná: "The Konsâtèum Planet". The official (and often unpopular) title of the fourth planet in the Zurvár Arèáná solar system, analagous to Mars. See Arèáná Kirû.
Konsâtèum Koreb mon Eket Akaláret: The Konsâtèum Council on Astronomical Names. Established after the Mirandá incident of ST0064 as a subsidiary body of the Konsâtèum Koreb mon Eket man Tomenak.
Konsâtèum Koreb mon Eket man Tomenak: The Konsâtèum Council on Names and Navigation. Established in ST0063 to chart the geography of Zurvár Arèáná prior to settlement.
Konsâtèum Kredatèn Mametak Kelkertaklá: The Konsâtèum Settlement Survey Authority. Established in ST0063 to oversee the settlement of Zurvár Arèáná.
Koreb Dolfinurn Tárlán: "High Cetacean Council". The supreme ruling body of the mon Dolfin of Zurvár Arèáná. Details such as the composition, number and even location of the Council are unclear, although it is a recognised legal entity under Zurvár Arèáná law. Some theorize that the Council is a fiction created and maintained by the mon Dolfin to make dealing with the Zurvár Government easier. Others theorize that the Council is a fiction created and maintained as some kind of obscure Dolfin joke.
Kûbrik mon Rapat: "The Bridge of Swords". The tallest structure on Zurvár Arèáná spanning the Slárt mon Rapat (Strait of Swords) in Gorat Bárkalif Ganalû. It is a single span suspension bridge conciously modelled on the Golden Gate Bridge in Earth's San Francisco, although with numerous Zurvár features and was constructed from ST0072 to ST0073. It carries foot and cycle traffic and the city's light railway.
Lost Houses: See mon Mòet Sìad
Márgiv: See Gorat Bármárgiv
Mametak Kelkertaklá Depe?: "Settlement Survey Team". Teams were sent to Zurvár Arèáná prior to settlement by the Konsâtèum Kredatèn Mametak Kelkertaklá to map the planet, find locations for settlements and assess hazards. Each team consisted of between eight and twenty members, and tours on the planet lasted between two and four months.
Mìam: See Gorat Mìam Doráþû
Minak Kirû: "The Red Star". Alternate name for Arèáná Kirû.
Mirandá Incident: The events sparked by MKD member Caklan Tâban Kèklosavik's application to name Zurvár Arèáná's Venus analogue after his partner in ST0064. Resulted in the the creation of the KKEA the same year.
Mirandá: The second planet in the Zurvár Arèáná solar system, analagous to Venus. Named in ST0064 by MKD member Caklan Tâban Kèklosavik sparking the "Miranda Incident".
MKD: See Mametak Kelkertaklá Depe?.
mon Mòet Sìad: "Missing/Lost Houses". Houses Tàvá and Moloqan. These houses were separated from the main host of nomadic Zurvár around -ST0230 and didn't re-establish contact until ST0032. In that time noticable differences emerged between the speech of the Lost Houses and the main Zurvár host, resulting in the Moloqurn dialect.
Moloqurn: A dialect of Zurvár spoken by members of houses Tàvá and Moloqan - the mon Mòet Sìad. These houses were separated from the main body of nomadic Zurvár around -ST0230 and didn't re-establish contact until ST0032. In that time noticable differences emerged between the language of these lost houses and mainstream Zurvár. Moloqurn speakers pronounce "c" as /ʒ/, "š" as /∫/ and "ô" as closer to /uː/ than the normal /aʊ/. They also preserve a number of archaic words and word forms, and a number of grammatical constructs (such as verb tenses) extinct in mainstream Zurvár. The majority of Moloqurn speakers reside in Bal where the population is as high as 4,000 or as low as 350, depending on one's definition of "pure" Moloqurn. Smaller enclaves are scattered around Zurvár Arèáná with maybe 1000 "Moloqurn influenced" speakers in Kalif and 800 in Mìam. Numbers are declining universally as the population assimilates into main Zurvár culture. There are several projects underway to record and preserve the Moloqurn dialect before it becomes completely extinct.
Neptyûn: See Á-Sá-Ver
Oksos: "Alphabet". See Oksos Cufárurn.
Oksos Cufárurn: The Zurvár Alphabet. Created by Cufár Bekátal Kuváravik (Cufár of Bekátalá) in -ST0281 and adopted as the official writing system for the Zurvár language at the second Wàcurátá conference in -ST0109.
Oliská Konsâtèum: "Konsâtèum Tower". The tallest building on Zurvár Arèáná. Eighteen storeys and 95 metres high and located in the Konsâtèum Compound in Gorat Balzad Zurvárurn. Constructed in ST0079 it is notable for it's six structural pylons based on the shape of the interlaced loops of the traditional takal symbol. The 18 floors and glass 'curtain walls' are hung from these pylons. The roof features a radio pylon and Coptur pad.
Pereþ: A consonant in the oksos cufárurn.
Plûtò: See Á-Sá-Rû
Pùlost Yestur: "Yestur Island". A volcanic speck isolated in the middle of the South West Ocean and unofficial capital of the mon Dolfin of Zurvár Arèáná. Pùlost Yestur lies at the heart of the largest area of Burzum Dolfinár on the planet, with all waters within 128km of the island under the sovereignty of the High Council. Ceded to the Koreb Dolfinurn Tárlán in ST0075. No Zurvár has set foot on Pùlost Yestur since the last geological survey in ST0071. Location 27° 05' S, 107° 55' W Dè Cirikò.
Pùlost Kazramaq Plaz Ranaden: "Wormwood Island Quarantine Facility". The only dedicated penitential facility on Zurvár Arèáná, located on an isolated island 34 kilometres due south of Bal. It is not a prison in the traditional sense, rather it is a facility for the housing and care of those individuals considered so serious a threat that they can never be released into the community at large. As such the inhabitants are mostly extreme psychopaths and sociopaths. Although the facility is highly secure, life within it's walls is made as comfortable as possible for the inmates, who are viewed (officially at least) as victims of mental illness rather than criminals. The staff are drawn equally from the law enforcement, medical and specialist response branches of the Metaphysicians Guild, and undergo special training before taking up their roles. The facility was opened in ST0081 and was designed to house up to 200 inmates, as of January ST0106 the population stands at 86.
Strûnarit Arèáná: "The Metaphysician Planet". The sixth planet in the Zurvár Arèáná solar system, analagous to Saturn.
Sùrû Gorat: 'The Eight Cities'. The eight largest settlements on Zurvár Arèáná. On a more crowded world (such as Earth) most would count only as large towns.
Takal: Traditional symbol of the Zurvár people. An interlaced design of two loops, similar to Earth's 'Celtic' knotwork designs. This similarity leads some to theorise that the Takal is of ultimate Pisk origin, although this cannot be either proved or disproved.
Tolákat: "Prosperity". Official name of one of the presumed two moons of Konsâtèum Arèáná. See Kolarat.
Tranázár: Popular name for the 14 large damoncá dumped into the centre of Hì by a probability storm in July ST0075. The word is derived from the Earth English "Tyranosaur", the creatures bearing some resemblance to this extinct Earth species. The creatures went on a rampage through the city and when all attempts at communication failed they were eliminated by the Kaþ Kárdá and Citizens' Militia in a fifteen hour battle. Skeletons of two tranázár are on display in the city museum in Bal, and three in Hì. The tranázár has since come to be something of a symbol of Hì and appears on the city flag.
Voldránì: A vowel in the oksos cufárurn.
Yoranus: See Á-Sá-Zad
Yugoþ: See Á-Sá-Rû
Zurvár: A human-variant species of near-local probability. Zurvár are able to pass as Earth Standard humans under casual scrutiny, on closer examination several exotic features may be noticed. The Zurvár species has a smaller range in skin tone than Earth humans, with colouration ranging from mid-brown to light olive. Hair colour ranges from dark brown to light blonde, with occasional (although rare) occurance of deep black or red. About 60% of Zurvár have a small epicanthic fold, giving their eyes a slight almond shape. Eye colour covers the full normal human range. There is no noticable difference in build or height between Earth humans and Zurvár. Full webbing is common between the toes. Webbing between the fingers varies between virtually non-existant to all the way up to the first knuckle - the average is about halfway. Zurvár kidneys are better adapted to high levels of salts than Earth humans, a Zurvár can drink nothing but sea-water for up to two weeks without suffering ill effects - attempting a similar feat that would kill an Earth human. These differences aside, Earth humans and Zurvár are almost identical and can breed without difficulty. Children of such unions inherit a mix of features from both parents and can usually pass for either Earth Human or Zurvár.
Z'vár Gorat: "The Seven Cities". The original seven cities planned for Zurvár Arèáná by the Konsâtèum. Five (Bal, Kalif, Márgiv, Mìam and Hì) were to be established by the Konsâtèum and two (Karaþ and Dì) by private settlement groups conforming to Konsâtèum standards. A schism between settlers in the Dì settlement group led to the establishment of an eighth city, Dìaz.

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Zurvár Language and Culture - Glossary

GLOSSARY