# Sindarin Language

> This skill should be used when the user asks to "translate to Sindarin", "write in Elvish", "Sindarin grammar", "Elvish translation", "speak Sindarin", "Tolkien Elvish", or mentions Sindarin language, Grey-elven, or needs help with Elvish linguistics from Tolkien's legendarium.

- Skill: `majiayu000/sindarin-language` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add majiayu000/sindarin-language`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/sindarin-language/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/sindarin-language

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# Sindarin Language Skill

Sindarin is the Elvish language most commonly encountered in Tolkien's Middle-earth, spoken by the Grey-elves (Sindar) and later adopted by the Noldor in exile. This skill provides guidance for working with Sindarin translations, grammar, and composition.

## Purpose

Provide accurate Sindarin translations, grammatical guidance, and linguistic assistance for:
- Translating English phrases to Sindarin
- Understanding Sindarin grammar and mutations
- Composing names, phrases, and texts in Sindarin
- Explaining pronunciation and phonetics

## When to Use

Activate this skill when encountering requests involving:
- Translation requests to/from Sindarin or "Elvish"
- Questions about Sindarin grammar or structure
- Composition of Elvish names or phrases
- Tolkien linguistic matters relating to Grey-elven

## Core Concepts

### Consonant Mutations

Sindarin uses consonant mutations triggered by grammatical context. The main types:

1. **Soft Mutation (Lenition)** - Most common, triggered by articles, prepositions
2. **Nasal Mutation** - After words ending in nasal sounds
3. **Mixed Mutation** - After certain particles
4. **Stop Mutation** - After the article `i` (plural)

### Basic Grammar

- Word order: Generally SVO (Subject-Verb-Object)
- Adjectives typically follow nouns
- The definite article `i` (singular) / `in` (plural) triggers mutations
- Plurals formed through vowel changes (i-affection) or suffixes

### Phonetics

Sindarin pronunciation follows consistent rules:
- **C** always hard as in "cat"
- **G** always hard as in "get"
- **TH** as in "think" (voiceless)
- **DH** as in "this" (voiced)
- **CH** as in Scottish "loch"
- **R** always trilled
- Stress typically on penultimate syllable

## Workflow

To provide Sindarin assistance:

1. Identify the type of request (translation, grammar question, composition)
2. Consult `references/grammar.md` for grammatical rules
3. Consult `references/vocabulary.md` for word lookups
4. Apply appropriate mutations based on context
5. Provide pronunciation guidance when relevant

## Additional Resources

### Reference Files

For detailed linguistic information, consult:
- **`references/grammar.md`** - Complete Sindarin grammar rules, mutations, and syntax
- **`references/vocabulary.md`** - English-Sindarin and Sindarin-English vocabulary

### Limitations

Sindarin is a constructed language with incomplete vocabulary. For words Tolkien never created:
- Use attested Sindarin roots where possible
- Note when a word is a neo-Sindarin reconstruction
- Prefer simpler constructions over uncertain neologisms