Vespian honorifics

The honorific system in Vespia utilized by the Vespian language is often regarded as one of the most complex in the world, denoting varying degrees of kinship, social status, titles, and honors awarded for particular achievements, as well as terms given to individuals of different races and beliefs. These honorifics are placed before a Vespian's name after their full name and title have been provided, and are utilized throughout the rest of a conversation with or regarding an individual. Due to the nature of Vespian culture and society, this system is utilized in the absence of honorific speech, in which the speaker would use varying forms of words when addressing a superior or subordinate. Vespian honorifics have the distinction of hosting some of the only gendered nouns within the Vespian language.

Common honorifics

Dak

Dak (), meaning "mighty", is always used when speaking to a member of the vakoranin caste as a sign of respect. It is closely reminiscent of the term "brother" or "sister" in a military sense when spoken between two vakoranin of equal rank, or more loosely translated as "comrade" when a non-warrior Vespian is involved. By tradition, dak is only used when two Vespian warriors of equal rank are speaking with one another, or if a member of the non-dakin warrior division is speaking to a member of the other Vespian castes. The term is only used in informal settings, with the rank of a vakoran always preceding the usage of dak, and only if the individual speaking to the warrior of equal rank, apart of the same warrior division, or outside of the vakoranin caste.

The honorific may also be used between members of other castes, but only for those who have achieved a major feat or accomplishment which has been recognized by their fellow Vespians or the vakoranin themselves. Akin to the act of "knighting" an individual, dak is a title reserved only for great acts of patriotism, contribution to the state or its citizens, or acts of self-sacrifice acknowledged by all Vespians as one worth rewarding. The privilege to use the honorific dak will be bestowed upon the individual as a sign of recognition of their act, and much like the term "Sir" or "Dame", is always used when speaking to that individual in any formal or informal setting. Using this honorific outside of its appropriate setting is considered a major faux pas, and generally denounced as in grave contravention of the social norms of Vespia.

Other honorifics

Yoravak

Yoravak (), meaning "beneath limitations", is used in reference to those Vespians expelled from their households and families, and now existing outside of Vespian society. Often associated with the condemned, any individuals with this title are ignored within Vespian society until they have atoned for their shortcomings and attained some measure of forgiveness or acceptance from their families. Yoravak came into common usage to avoid using the more serious honorific of muzekin, meaning "foreigner" or "lowly ally", which is the name assigned to slaves and non-Vespians.

See also

• Ettiqutte in Vespia