By Zumer the Mudokon Traveler

Most inhabitants of Mudos speak in a common dialect which is very old blend of mainly glukkon, slig and mudokon vernacular with a smattering of words and phrases from many other species. This new language, already used by most as a means of communicating between the industrialists and their slaves, was enforced by the glukkons as the official manner of speech in the Magog Cartel. All other dialects were banned. Over time, the language has spawned many different variants, from the mudokons’ almost musical rhymes to the sligs’ mechanical curse-ridden barks. Eventually this language was adopted by races outside of the Cartel, such as the interns, vykkers and even some gabbits, who realized communication would be much easier amongst different races if they all shared one way of speaking. But although this common language was one in which all species could communicate fluently amongst each other, the old languages have not been completely forgotten. There are a few among the free mudokons who can still speak fluently in the ancient forms.

The old mudokon language is not an easy thing to study when one considers the facts. First, the language is not used anywhere, except amongst a few of the most alienated tribes in sacrosanct regions such as Necrum. Second, no outline (in today’s written language) of the dialect exists anywhere because at the time which it was used most frequently, the mudokons still wrote using hieroglyphics. Lastly, even if those who still speak the language could be found, they have been so secluded from the rest of Oddworld that they have no idea that there has been a unification of language, much less know how to speak the now common tongue. So our only hints are the few facts that elders such as myself have gleaned from various tribes.

We believe that the old mudokon languages were very musical sounding, with incredibly tonal sounds. This stems from the fact that even today mudokons cannot prevent themselves from the inherent musical quality of their voices. Many other species consider mudokon manner of speech very distinct and nasal sounding. This is because our native language had relied heavily on the sounds we made in various tones. Our language sounded more like song than a means of communication. Because of the vast ways that phrases, words and even individual syllables could be pronounced, the language was a very difficult thing to master. Mudokons in slavery would likely have a harder time learning the old languages because the lack of use they put their vocal cords to during bondage. To further confuse things, all mudokons adopted their own personal language. As their musical skill grew, they would often make up parts of their speech to improve the musical excellence. This means that one mudokon saying “hello, how are you doing?” would sound much different than another mudokon saying almost the exact same thing. Somehow they all understood each other and were able to decipher what others where saying by carefully listening to the notes and sounds used. The complexity of the speech is something that will take many years to unravel and we have barely scratched the surface.

One native mudokon language that has remained intact is the whistle speech used by the warriors of the Monsaic Sanctuary. This is a very simple dialect which is used by hunters and scouts to communicate without being detected. The “words” are simply different whistles that to the untrained ear sound like the chirps and tweets of simple birds.

Another form of mudokon communication is not vocal, and usually occurs subconsciously. This is our ability to change the colors of our skin depending on our health, social status and emotions. This is not an actual language, as much as it is a way of expressing who we are and how we are feeling to those around us. Our chameleonic skin is likely the truest form of speech we have today, and it shall remain with our species when all other languages are long forgotten.

Here is a simple chart of skin colors and their common meanings.

Forest/dark green	healthy, mild mood
Grey	sick, exhausted, bored
Pale green to yellow	wired or extremely happy, very goofy or in a silly mood
Red	angry or mad, frustrated
Purple	enlightened or spiritual individual
Blue	depressed, sad or in Abe’s case stressed out
White	warrior (Mudarcher or Tomahawker)