Ari Bytes

(Posting this because apparently linking to pages on my tumblr doesn’t work on mobile unless it’s a post….)

First Ones writing is read from right to left. The letters forming a word are joined by one long line that can connect segments (for ease of reference, I’ll be referring to this as the “center line”). These segments are usually divided into syllables but can be a single consonant or vowel. Sometimes all the syllables can even be joined with just one segment! The beginning and the end of one word is signified by a circle at both ends of the line. Usually shapes or line formations above the center line are decorative and may be used to connect one related word to another or used to form a sentence or phrase.

In my translations, I include the letters in gray for vowels as they guide pronunciation. Keep in mind that since First Ones writing is phonetic, there can be many ways to write a word. For instance, “the” can be written using TH and E or DH and E.

As for the letters themselves, this bit is directly lifted from the guide

With @me1och​‘s suggestion, the pronunciation part will now use a mix of IPA/enPR symbols

Sad -æ

All - ɔ

Say - ā

Pet -ɛ

Feet - ē

Lit - ɪ

I - aɪ

Good - o͝o

Too - o͞o

Go - ō

House - aʊ

Fun - ə

Boy - ɔɪ

Yes-j

I can see how it might be a little confusing (or maybe even written wrong) because the  o͝o and the ē look very very similar, but if you notice, there’s no connecting line between the two circles in “smooch”compared to the two circles in “chef.” Possibly animator error or some alternate way to write  o͝o.

Spoons can be used pretty much anywhere.

Carnival tickets are only good for the carnival, and it’s only in town for a limited amount of time.