San'Shyuum language
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
The language of the San'Shyuum is similar to Medieval Gregorian-style chanting, based on religious sermons by the High Prophet of Regret on Installation 05.[1] Whether this is spoken by all San'Shyuum, or if it is a special dialect for religious purposes is unknown.
The San'Shyuum also used non-verbal communication, in the form of elaborate or simple hand gestures, though some involved movement of the head.[2] Most other races, such as the Sangheili, were completely unaware of this.[3] The San'Shyuum were also able to convey expressions through these gestures, such as satisfaction,[4] irony,[5] obeisance,[6] amusement,[7] respect,[8] and empathy.[9] An extra flip of the thumb was used to show a gesture was being used mockingly.[7] Accents could also be conveyed through these gestures.[10] The Stoics on Janjur Qom seemed to have used the same hand gestures.[2]
Known gestures
- All things flow away. (Rippling the three fingers of one's right hand, a gesture of regret)[11]
- Be well and be discreet.[12]
- Esteemed colleagues, let us begin. (The rippling of a hand, a traditional sign)[13]
- Go silent or die silent. (A quick, snappish gesture, rarely used)[14]
- Happy to be of service.[15]
- I choose not to be offended.[16]
- I do not contradict you. (An elaborate gesture)[13]
- I have decided. It will be done. (Formed by a sinuous motion with the head and a hand gesture)[2]
- I will speak of it another time.[17]
- It's a minor difficulty.[16]
- It's safe to come.[18]
- It is past time.[19]
- Joyful obedience.[20]
- Make peace with your ancestors.[7]
- Of course![21]
- One is but thinking aloud.[22]
- Respectfully, you are mistaken.[7]
- So you say.[23]
- What means this? (The fluttering of a hand, an ancient gesture)[24]
List of appearances
- Halo 2 (First appearance)
- Halo: Broken Circle
- Halo 2: Anniversary
Sources
- ^ Halo 2, campaign level Regret
- ^ a b c Halo: Broken Circle, page 133
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, Chapter 1
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 23 (Google Play edition)
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 50
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 75
- ^ a b c d Halo: Broken Circle, page 112
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 160
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 148
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 16
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 8 (Google Play edition)
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 51 (Google Play edition)
- ^ a b Halo: Broken Circle, page 19 (Google Play edition)
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 74 (Google Play edition)
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 63 (Google Play edition)
- ^ a b Halo: Broken Circle, page 96 (Google Play edition)
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 97 (Google Play edition)
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 134 (Google Play edition)
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 73 (Google Play edition)
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 76 (Google Play edition)
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 111 (Google Play edition)
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 64 (Google Play edition)
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 161 (Google Play edition)
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 72 (Google Play edition)
