type: Language

Bretonic

Bretonic is the language of the Bretons, a human race that primarily inhabits the province of High Rock. It is derived from a mixture of Elven and Nordic languages, influenced by the Bretons' history of being descendants of both the Aldmeri (High Elves) and the Nords. As a result, Bretonic has characteristics of both languages, making it distinct from many other human tongues in Tamriel.

Bretonic shares many similarities with Cyrodilic (the language of the Empire), but it is older and retains many traditional elements, including a variety of grammatical structures that are reminiscent of the Aldmeri language family. Over the years, Bretonic has evolved, incorporating many words from the languages of neighboring races, including Orcish, Nordic, and Imperial, which reflects the Bretons' interactions with other cultures.

While Bretonic is the primary language of the Bretons, it has been largely supplanted in official use by Tamrielic (the common tongue), especially in more cosmopolitan areas like Daggerfall. Nonetheless, Bretonic is still spoken widely in rural areas and is preserved in cultural traditions, music, and lore.

Races that commonly speak Bretonic

Bretons – The primary speakers of Bretonic, it is the mother tongue of the Bretons and used in many aspects of their culture and daily life.
Nords – Due to historical interactions between Nords and Bretons, especially in the province of High Rock, some Nords may speak or understand Bretonic.
Orcs (Orsimer) – The Orcs of Orsinium have occasional contact with Bretons, and some Orcs may learn Bretonic, particularly in regions close to Breton-controlled lands.
Imperials – Some Imperials, especially those from the province of Cyrodiil, may learn Bretonic through trade, diplomacy, or as part of their education.
Scholars and Travelers – Scholars studying the languages and history of Tamriel, as well as travelers in High Rock, may also know or learn Bretonic.

Bretonic remains an important part of Breton identity, especially in rural areas where traditional customs and folklore are still valued. Despite the prevalence of Tamrielic in urban centers, Bretonic continues to hold cultural and historical significance in the province of High Rock.