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[handwriting is rather poor]

I've become rather curious about something I only recently became aware of, and I was hoping that perhaps the input of others might clarify things somewhat.

What language do you speak now?
What language do you hear others speaking?
What language is this written in?

It's a matter of... some importance to me. If you would be kind enough to answer, I would greatly appreciate it.

Also, my dear human Captain, I was hoping to meet with you again sometime today, if only to prove to myself you weren't a desperate fantasy! Please, let me know what time would be most advantageous for us to... talk again. I do so miss you when we are apart!

Admiral ZEX

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As I've already told you, I speak and hear and read English.

Everyone else here seems to be hearing/reading/speaking their predominate language as well, though; it's not solely your own affliction. Don't let it get to you; you're not going to be able to escape this place if you're falling apart at the mental seams.

I suppose we could meet again. At the next meal, maybe? There are a couple things I want to explain to you about human culture~~, like how very creepy you are when~~.

And I'm not your dear anything. And it's going to be just talking. All right?

~ Captain

Well yes of course, the question wasn't directed at you, darling. You were the one who helped me puzzle it out, and I'm quite grateful for it, really... another rather interesting piece of this strange puzzle. Although I do wish it hadn't been accompanied with such an embarrassing lapse in composure. I hope you won't hold it against me!

I don't know whether this new information answers or merely raises more questions. That seems to be the nature of most things here...

But seeing you again will be quite marvelous! I'll be looking forward to it!

[ZEX can't quite master the art of small letters just yet, although there are a few botched attempts before he resumes with normal-sized letters, which at least are legible]

But you are quite dear to me, human! It's simply a fact~ I see no harm in saying so.
Talking is all I intended to do, Captain! Unless you had something else in mind... if so, I am rather intrigued.
I'm afraid I can't mimic your tiny letters though, human. What purpose do they serve? I hope I haven't broken human literary protocol too badly by not responding in kind.

As I've said: anyone in your situation would be strained. Not your fault that it overwhelmed you, and you pulled yourself back together admirably quickly.

Well, you certainly raised interest in the subject. [An arrow is drawn in the general direction of Mello's posts] And whoever was asking seems to have puzzled out what's going on, though it's to be seen if he/she's right.

~~It's the possesive "my" that~~ ~~it's embarrasing~~ ~~It implies reciproc~~ ~~just don't, all ri~~ I'll explain when we meet.
No, I didn't have anything else in mind.
Writing in smaller letters implies that whatever's written is an afterthought, or intended to be less noticeable, or addressed to a smaller audience, or "said" sotto voice. It's not necessary to reply in kind.

Thank you, Captain. It's still somewhat embarrassing, particularly because of... the audience for such a lapse, if you understand what my meaning. Such weakness can be dangerous, and I'd thought myself quite past self-doubt. To survive you need to have the utmost confidence in yourself and your beliefs, to weather the storm of bigotry and disapproval. Human society must have its equivalent, I'm sure.

Yes, that note was quite informative. Although I do wonder now, how many dialects do humans have? I'd assumed they simply had one united language... at least, that's the prevailing VUX belief. Language is something of an interesting subject for us.

You've roused my curiousity now, human! I wonder what you have in mind... whatever it is you have to explain, I'm sure it will be interesting! But I'd hardly need such an excuse to find you fascinating, my human love.

I see! Interesting... I don't think my writing could get much smaller without becoming illegible! Our language is fairly tightly packed as it is...

I understand the concept, even though I have nothing in my personal experience to connect it to. But you're not at home or in battle, Admiral. The people here aren't predisposed to disliking you any more than they're predisposed to dislike any other patient, and I'm certain no one here would fault you for one moment of doubt in doubt-inspiring surroundings. If anyone does, they're not being very nice, and I'd recommend ignoring them anyway.

Last I knew, English and its regional dialects were the most commonly known Earth language. There's a multitude of others, though, developed withing the boundaries of regional and political divisions before we had the technology to readily cross natural boundaries-- so what's spoken on one island country may have no relation to what's spoken on another island country. Some of the languages have fallen out of use, some are still taught as the first language out of pride for genetic roots and country... although that may be different, here; time's strange, and so are the people.

~~oh for the love of~~ When we meet, then.

Really? You might be holding your writing utensil incorrectly... or it may just be from unfamiliarity with the mechanics of writing with hands. I'll bring an notebook and pen with me, and I'll see if I can help you with that, if it's all right?

Ah, very true! It's difficult sometimes to remember that my reputation does not precede me here, and that my appearance doesn't necessarily inspire instinctual violence. Our species' history is such a tragedy, really...

Interesting... what language did you primarily speak on your home, Unzervalt, was it? Fascination with this kind of thing I suppose runs in our blood.

Writing with a hand is... very difficult. I had beautiful penmanship in my natural body! A skill I acquired before I found my true calling, and it is frustrating to lose it so suddenly. Hands are not suited for most VUX letters, at least the ones I know. I'd very much appreciate some help in mastering human writing~

The instinctual violence was more on the VUX side than the Human, as far as I could tell. I'm not sure the tragedy could have been avoided, though-- even if Rand hadn't sparked the Insult thing, your countrymen would have found something else to justify their hate.

English, mostly, though I picked up pieces of other languages from the people who had been born on Earth-- just enough to recognize them if they're written out, mostly, though I know German a bit better, enough to construct simple sentences.

Humans seemed to have managed writing with hands for a few thousand years. :) It's not all that difficult, once you get used to it.
Do you know which of your hands is dominant, or are you ambidextrous?

Is that how it was? For most VUX it was quite the reverse... humans being shallow, brutish, violent creatures, barely sentient at all. Ah, propaganda was in full-swing during the War, and I don't suppose many of us had a chance to truly converse with humans before we engaged in combat and therefore, did not have much reason to think differently. I, of course, was able to see through it all to appreciate humans on their own terms, and we both know how my countrymen cared for that. Ah well.

Only two? Well, it was an isolated colony, wasn't it? I can see where language would be restricted somewhat... how interesting regardless!

:) :) :) :) ? :) ??
I would hesitate to say I had much skill with either hand at the moment, as I'm sure you've seen. I've been experimenting with both and they don't seem any better than the other.
What is ambidextrous? It sounds intriguing.
:): ): ::::))))

To be honest, when I had to pass through VUX space, I did try to talk with your countrymen to avoid doing battle-- those limpets made my best ships nearly-unusable, and I prefer not to lose crew to avoidable battles-- but nothing I could say would keep them from attacking. It made them seem shallow and violent.

Most humans I know only speak one or two, actually, unless they actually need to know more (for whatever reason). I was surprised to see how many people spoke three or more, here.

Ambidextrous means being able to use both hands equally. Which I suppose means you are ambidextrous-- even if you use both hands equally poorly.

Out of curiosity, what are you ~~writing~~ ~~drawing~~ ~~wri~~ trying to put on the paper?

I'm certainly not surprised! They still quite hate humans, you know. I imagine your existence outside of your slaveshield must have almost seemed like an insult to them. I'd hoped once when I was more... idealistic, that I could help open their eyes and hearts to your species (and countless others), but I fear it's a lost cause nowadays. After all, they still turned on me, even after everything I'd done for them. Once set in their ways, they rarely change course.
I suspect my enclave at Alpha Cerenkov is the only outpost of sensible, mature VUX in our sector.

Only one or two? Well, that fits with what I had thought, originally. Language must be a much simpler affair for humans... how interesting!

I see! Then I suppose I am ambidextrous! I'll have to remember that word.

Oh, I was trying to imitate the glyph you included in your last note... it was so unique and intricate. Was that merely a flourish for my sake? Oh Captain~ ::)

I noticed the hatred. They're pretty vehement about it.

How much more complex are the languages on Beta Luyten? One or two seems like enough to me, but it's what I've grown up around.

You mean this?: :)
It's not that unique or special, it's a [several false starts as Captain tries to figure out how to explain a smiley to ZEX] You know how humans smile to express positive emotions? That symbol a sort of extremely stylized approximation of a smile (the two dots represent eyes, the curved line a mouth) to casually express some sort of positive emotion in writing. The symbol on this place's uniform is similar.

Oh, we have a great deal of languages on Luyten! And on our other colonies as well... numerous variations from city to town to general area to aquatic (which can be very difficult), and all sorts of things in-between. Something of a matter of pride for a collection of VUX to develop a variant of some kind, and eventually what helped us create and improve our translation technology; to ease communication but not force a group to change. Like I mentioned before, we do get so set in our ways!
I used to speak more languages when I was young and traveling, but after many years at Cerenkov (where VUK ZIX tends to dominate, due to most of us being from our military), I only remember a handful of my strongest. [ZUJ KEK]I imagine my poor penmanship and grammar would cause those in YUX to feel quite scandalized.[/ZUJ KEK]

How interesting! A symbol of a human emotion... a human face! Of course, that would only make sense, that's how humans show emotion after all. How interesting! I wonder...
.)
(a series of squiggly lines above a circle)

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[Bits scribbled out in fits of almost-diplomacy, but still barely legible]

[handwriting still rather poor, although a bit more shaky than before]

[Strikes again halfway-legible]

[odd symbols are around this one]

[Captain's not going to ask. :B ]

[odd little symbols near the bottom]

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Shaking w/laughter IRL, damn you. <3

what is this "emoticon" you speak of? is it delicious? OD