This is a brief comparison of the differences in sound between some of Tolkien's languages. Specifically, I've made samples of the sounds of: Quenya and Sindarin (both Elven languages); Khuzdûl (the speech of the Dwarves); the Black Speech (Sauron's constructed language); and a form of the "debased" Black Speech actually used by the Orcs.
In order to highlight the actual, objective differences in the languages themselves, I've read each of the following selections with a fairly "flat" vocal tone, not using any real intonation that follows the meaning of the words. It's simply not fair to compare a hymn to a loved goddess with a war-cry, or a despairing lament with a joyful greeting.
New! (13 Mar 2002) I've received some recordings of the same phrases by Eddin Najetovic of Holland, and have added them to the list. I think his pronunciation is much better than mine -- in particular, this throws my American accent into sharp relief! I'll try to find the time soon to do better recordings of my own. Eddin has also sent in a recording of the entire Markirya poem (749 KB, 47 seconds).
Compared languages, in alphabetical order:
Note: The Black Speech uses a uvular R, pronounced far back in the throat, as in French and German. I have some trouble pronouncing this particular phoneme, especially when preceded by a U, as it often is in the Black Speech. Therefore, the pronunciation in these two sound clips is a bit labored. I will endeavor to provide better readings in the future.
The inscription on the One Ring. Written by Sauron, ca. 1600 S.A. in "classical" Black Speech. This can be found in its original language in FotR, Bk. II, Ch. 2, "The Council of Elrond":
Ash nazg durbatulûk,
Ash nazg gimbatul,
Ash nazg thrakatulûk,
Agh burzum-ishi krimpatul!
It can also be found in English translation in FotR, Bk. I, Ch. 2, "The Shadow of the Past":
One ring to rule them all,
One ring to find them,
One ring to bring them all
And in the darkness bind them!
This is a sample of the "debased" Black Speech actually spoken by the Orcs in Sauron's service by the end of the Third Age (roughly 4860 years after the forging of the One Ring). Spoken by an Orc of Mordor -- possibly but probably not Grishnakh -- in T2T, Bk. III, Ch. 3, "The Uruk-Hai", at the beginning of the chapter:
Uglúk u bagronk sha pushdug Saruman-glob búbhosh, skai!
Translations of this sentence vary; both of the following have been given as valid:
Uglúk to the cesspool, sha! the dungfilth; the great Saruman-fool, skai!
Uglúk to the dung-pit with stinking Saruman-filth, pig-guts, gah!
Either way, it seems the word "skai" is considered a general interjection of disgust.
Note: The kh in Khuzdûl is not intended to be pronounced as a guttural, like the ch in Scottish "loch". Instead, it indicates an aspirated stop, essentially a k followed by h. Again, this is not a phoneme-combination with which I have much expreience. I've done what I can with the pronunciation, but I'm sure it can be made better.
Probably spoken at many times and in many places in the history of Middle-Earth, but attested in usage by Gimli at Helm's Deep, in T2T, Bk. III, Ch. 7, "Helm's Deep".
Baruk Khazad! Khazad ai-mênu!
Tolkien supplies a translation in LotR Appendix F:
Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!
Apparently a common Quenya greeting, and hence probably spoken all over the place. Found in Unfinished Tales:
Anar caluva tielyanna.
It has been pointed out to me that I'm actually using a Quenya á rather than just a in tielyanna. Please do not use this sound clip as a demonstration of the difference between Quenya's long and short a sounds!
Translation:
The Sun will [or "shall"] shine upon your path.
Apparently a more formal greeting in Quenya, this is attested as used by Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion at their meeting in the Shire, 3018 T.A., in FotR, Bk. I, Ch. 3, "Three Is Company":
Elen síla lumenn' omentielvo!
Translation:
A star shines on the hour of our meeting!
Note that the First Edition of LotR had the last word as "omentielmo"; this was changed to "omentielvo" by Tolkien in the Second Edition. Also, some American editions have "omentilmo"; this is a typo.
Originally spoken by Elendil upon his landing on the shores of Middle-Earth after the destruction of Númenor, 3319 S.A. Repeated by Aragorn Elessar on his coronation in Gondor after the destruction of the One Ring, 3019 T.A., and attested in RotK, Bk. VI, Ch. 5, "The Steward and the King":
Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta!
Translation:
Out of the Great Sea to Middle-Earth I am come. In this place I will abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world.
A hymn to Elbereth (the Sindarin name of Varda, who is extensively referenced in Galadriel's Lament, aka Namárië), and probably sung in many times and places by the Elves of Middle-Earth. Attested in FotR, Bk. II, Ch. 1, "Many Meetings", practically at the end of the chapter. The first three lines run:
A Elbereth Gilthoniel,
Silivren penna míriel
o Menel aglar elenath!
A translation is given in The Road Goes Ever On, and is glossed by Helge Fauskanger so:
O Elbereth Starkindler,
white-glittering, sparkling like jewels,
the glory of the starry host slants down.
A despairing verse sung by Gilraen, mother of Aragorn Elessar, to her son shortly before her death. Attested in LotR Appendix A, section I, v:
Onen i-Estel Edain, ú-chebin estel anim.
It has been pointed out to me that my pronunciation of "edain" is not correct; this will be fixed soon, but for now, pronounce that word like Eddin does rather than the way I do!
Translation:
I gave hope to the Dúnedain, I have kept no hope for myself.