Alzhedo

Alzhedo is the native language of Calimshan. Alzhedo is a language beautiful to the ears of most native Faerunians. It is the closest any human tongue comes to the melodic nature of the elf language. It is difficult for outsiders to learn, though many do learn it to prevent being taken advantage of in important Calishite markets. Its linguistic roots lie far away on the Elemental Plane of Air, as the genie rulers of earliest Calimshan brought Alzhedo with them and taught it to their slaves. Were a djinni or another denizen of the Plane of Air to arrive in modern Calimshan, she or he would consider the native spoken language to be a guttural pidgin form of his or her native tongue mixed with elements of common, elvish, and dwarvish.

Alzhedo is the language used by members of the ruling class, at the court of the syl-pasha, and in all official documents, from those written by the druzirs on up to the syl-pasha. Of course, members of the ruling class can speak in common to those who do not know Alzhedo, but only if they must. In general, everyone in Calimshan attempts to speak Alzhedo, but the subtle differences in meaning it conveys by inflection and tone are difficult to master, even for one who has learned the language from birth. In truth, only elves and creatures native to the Elemental Planes learn Alzhedo easily.

Calishites are exceedingly proud of their language, as they are about many things. They are usually honored by outsiders who learn and use even a smattering of Alzhedo. However, while the upper classes might sneer at doing business with one who does not know Alzhedo, most others do not. They see profit as the ultimate goal, and having to speak common as merely a trifling inconvenience, and adapt accordingly.