Tesahoda

The Threshold Language: A Foundation Guide

Introduction

This guide contains the structural foundation of our family language. It is designed to be spoken natively by children, seamlessly adopted by adult friends, and strictly enforced at our front door.

The language operates on a flawless, exception-free logic system: words are built from simple consonant-vowel pairs, verbs never change their root forms, and vocabulary is constructed from practical, everyday use.

Note on Proper Names:

Proper names such as Olly, Karen, George, and Zola—bypass all language rules and are spoken exactly as they are in English.

Chapter 1: The Engine (Phonetics & Grammar)

1.1 The Alphabet & Pronunciation

The language uses a simplified alphabet designed to eliminate spelling confusion and ensure accessibility for developing speakers.

The Golden Rule of Speech: Every word must follow a strict CV (Consonant-Vowel) structure. Consonants never touch each other, and words never end in a consonant. The only exception is the word A (and).

1.2 Sentence Structure

Sentences are built using the Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order.

1.3 The Verb Engine (Time)

Verbs have no irregular forms. Time is indicated by adding a two-letter suffix to the root action.

1.4 Plurals & Reduplication

To indicate more than one of an object, simply double the word (reduplication).

1.5 Negation & Connectors

1.6 Asking Questions

Questions are formed without changing the sentence order (in-situ).

Chapter 2: The Threshold Vocabulary (Basic Memorization)

Mastering these core 50 words is required for basic household communication.

Pronouns & People

WordMeaning
MiI / Me
TuYou
NuWe / Us
MuThey / Them
SuwaPartner
FamiFamily
TitiChild / Baby
PabaParent
MaboFriend / Guest
KobiPet / Cat

The House & Objects

WordMeaning
DomaHouse
DukaRoom
PoroDoor
BataShoe
TapaFoot
KotoCoat
BakoBag
SefaSeat
TebuTable
KupaCup
FudoFood
WataWater

Core Actions

WordMeaning
MiyaHello / Welcome
NofaRemove
KuteEnter
HatoStop / Wait
SidoSit
WakoWalk / Go
MokuEat
NimiDrink
WiyoLook
HikaListen
PuyePlay
VutuGive
TakaTake
KamoLove
HodaHold

Descriptions & Manners

WordMeaning
YaYes
NaNo
HinaHere
ToraThere
NawaNow
HokaHot
KuraCold
BikaBig
PitoSmall
RapiHappy / Good
BudiUpset / Bad
SafiSafe
TosiThank you
PiriPlease
SoriSorry

Chapter 3: Numerals & Counting

The number system is built on unique CV syllables to allow for rapid counting.

The Base Numbers (1-10)

Number WordNumber Word
Pa (1)Sa (6)
Du (2)Re (7)
Ti (3)Vo (8)
Ko (4)Ni (9)
Ma (5)Da (10)

Building Larger Numbers

To create larger numbers, simply combine the place values exactly as they are spoken.

Example Phrase: Vutu du kupa mi. (Give me two cups.)

Chapter 4: Time, Dates & Weather

This vocabulary governs how we describe the world outside the threshold.

Cycles of Time

By combining the root word for Day (Deya) with our tense markers (Pa/Nawa/To), we logically derive the days of the week.

  • Deya: Day
  • Nati: Night
  • Wika: Week
  • Muna: Month
  • Yera: Year
  • Nade: Today (Nawa + Deya)
  • Pade: Yesterday (Pa + Deya)
  • Tode: Tomorrow (To + Deya)

The Weather (Wida)

  • Sona: Sun / Sunny
  • Reni: Rain / Raining
  • Niva: Snow / Snowing
  • Kudo: Cloud / Cloudy
  • Wida: Wind / Weather

Example Phrases:

  • Wida hina Blackwood budi nade. (The weather here in Blackwood is bad today.)
  • Tode, sona rapi. (Tomorrow, the sun is good.)
  • Piri kute doma, reni tora. (Please enter the house, it is raining there.)
  • Nu puyepa titi pade. (We played with the baby yesterday.)

Chapter 5: The Kitchen & Cooking (Fudoduka)

By combining words we already know, we can instantly create new concepts without having to memorize anything new.

1. Tools & Utensils

Notice how these mimic English words but strictly obey the CV rule!

WordMeaning
PetaPlate
KaboBowl (Cup-box)
FotiFork
NafiKnife
SunaSpoon
PatoPot/Pan
SipoSink
RusoTrash / Garbage

2. Cooking Actions (Verbs)

WordMeaning
SatoCook / Prepare
TikoCut / Chop
KafiClean / Wash
BiroMix / Stir
PomaPour

3. Food & Ingredients

WordMeaning
MitoMeat
VetaVegetable / Plant
FuraFruit
BomiBread / Grain
MikaMilk / Dairy
KoriFire / Heat

4. Tastes & Modifiers

WordMeaning
SutaSweet
SatiSalty
PikaSpicy
DiraDry
SokiWet / Soupy

Putting it into Practice (The Kitchen Flow)

Because you have the grammar engine fully installed, your friends and family can now navigate making dinner, feeding the cats, and cleaning up—all without breaking the threshold rule.

Dinner Prep:

  • Suwa, piri tiko veta a mito.(Joseph, please cut the vegetables and meat.)
  • Mi satoto fudo nawa.(I will cook the food now.)
  • Biro wata kura.(Stir the cold water.)

Eating:

  • Miya fami! Moku fudo.(Welcome family! Eat the food.)
  • Vutu peta a foti titi.(Give a plate and fork to the baby.)
  • Bomi hina suta ke?(Is the bread here sweet?)

Cleaning Up:

  • Kemu kafito kupakupa?(Who will wash the cups?)
  • Piri vutu fudo budi ruso.(Please give the bad food to the trash.)

Chapter 6: The Bathroom & Body (Wataduka a Bodi)

We combine Wata (Water) and Duka (Room) to create the Bathroom: Wataduka.

1. The Body (Bodi)

Notice how many of these are crushed English words!

WordMeaning
BodiBody
HedoHead
MataEye
YiraEar
NosoNose
MosoMouth
TifaTooth / Teeth
HanaHand
RamaArm
RekaLeg
HeraHair
TapaFoot

2. Bathroom & Bedroom

WordMeaning
BedaBed
ToyaToilet
SawaShower/Bath
SopoSoap
TowaTowel
PepaPaper (Toilet paper)
BuroBrush

3. Actions & Needs

WordMeaning
SipiSleep
WekaWake / Wake up
KafiWash / Clean
PupuUse the toilet
HuraHurt / Feel pain
TayaTired / Sleepy
DotiDirty
KinaClean

Putting it into Practice (The Bed & Bath Flow)

By pairing these new words with our pronouns, grammar engine, and questions, you can navigate the entire morning and bedtime routines without breaking the threshold rule.

The Toddler Routine:

  • Titi doti nawa.(The baby is dirty now.)
  • Nu kafito hera a bodi.(We will wash hair and body.)
  • Piri vutu towa mi.(Please give me the towel.)
  • Titi, tu pupu keti?(Baby, when do you use the toilet?)
  • Weka titi! Sona rapi nade.(Wake up baby! The sun is good today.)

Expressing Needs:

  • Mabo, toya hina.(Friend, the toilet is here.)
  • Hedo mi hura.(My head hurts.)
  • Mi taya. Mi sipito nawa.(I am tired. I will sleep now.)
  • Tu kafi tifatifa tu ke?(Did you wash your teeth?)

Chapter 7: Entertainment & Tech (Kema a Pisi)

1. Technology & Screens

Notice how smoothly these English tech words slide into the strict CV rules!

WordMeaning
TiviTV/Screen/Monitor
FonoPhone
PisiComputer / PC
RitoLight / Lamp
KemaGame
MusiMusic
BukoBook

2. Objects & Toys

WordMeaning
SofaCouch / Sofa
FotoPicture / Photograph
PuyekaToy (Puye + Ka)
KodoCord / Cable

3. Entertainment Actions

WordMeaning
ResoRest / Relax
RidoRead
SinaMake / Create / Code
MakoSing
WinaWin
FeroLose / Fail

⚡ The Compound Word Superpower

Whenever your friends lack a word, they can just smash two existing words together!

  • Video Game Controller: Kema-fono (Game phone)
  • Headphones: Yira-musi (Ear music)
  • Bookshelf: Buko-tebu (Book table)

Putting it into Practice (The Game Night Flow)

Because you have the SVO grammar and question systems fully operational, you can easily host game nights, direct the TV, and manage screen time for a future child without ever reverting to English.

Hosting Game Night:

  • Miya mabomabo! Sido sofa, nu puyeto kema nawa.(Welcome friends! Sit on the couch, we will play a game now.)
  • Kemu winapa kema? Mi winapa!(Who won the game? I won!)
  • Suwa, tu feropa.(Joseph, you lost.)
  • Piri vutu fono tu.(Please give [me] your phone.)

Media & Tech:

  • Mi makoto pisi nade.(I will create/code on the computer today.)
  • Piri nofa rito.(Please remove/turn off the light.)
  • Titi, wiyo tivi.(Baby, watch the TV.)
  • Nu hikato musi.(We will listen to music.)

Relaxing:

  • Mi taya. Mi resoto sofa.(I am tired. I will rest on the couch.)
  • Paba ridoto buko titi.(The parent will read a book to the baby.)
  • Kobi puyepa puyeka.(The cat played with the toy.)

Chapter 8: Visuals & Attributes (Kara, Sepa a Suwa)

1. The Spectrum (Kara)

Mirrors English for instant recognition.

  • Redo: Red
  • Buru: Blue
  • Yero: Yellow
  • Keri: Green
  • Wita: White
  • Dako: Black / Dark
  • Pupa: Purple
  • Piki: Pink
  • Bara: Brown
  • Rana: Orange

2. Forms & Shapes (Sepa)

  • Sepa: Shape
  • Rona: Circle / Round
  • Boka: Square / Container
  • Tira: Triangle (Tri-angle → Tira)
  • Rina: Line
  • Sata: Star

3. Qualities

  • Fasa: Fast
  • Suro: Slow
  • Hada: Hard / Complex
  • Sofi: Soft
  • Hevi: Heavy
  • Reta: Lightweight
  • Nuwa: New
  • Oda: Old
  • Peni: Full / Abundant
  • Peni: Plenty / Full

Modifier Stacking Principles

Because descriptor terms behave identically to ownership markers, multiple attributes attach sequentially without compromising structural logic.

  • Kobi dako mi → Cat dark my (My black cat)
  • Kupa bika buru → Vessel large blue (The large blue cup)

Practical Applications (Descriptive Phrases)

Positioning modifiers directly after their target allows the speaker to form rich, nuanced descriptions instantly.

Guiding Young Speakers:

  • Wiyo keka? Bata redo!(Look at what? A red footwear!)
  • Titi puyeto sepa rona.(The infant will interact with the circular object.)
  • Kobi dako fasa!(The dark feline moves quickly!)
  • Piri vutu fura yero titi.(Kindly offer the yellow produce to the child.)

Locating Items:

  • Mi hika musi nuwa.(I listen to modern songs.)
  • Piri kafi peta doti.(Kindly sanitize the soiled dish.)
  • Suwa, bako hina hevi.(Partner, the sack here carries weight.)
  • Tebu boka tora.(The square surface sits over there.)

Sharing Perspectives:

  • Beda nu sofi a rapi.(Our sleeping area feels plush and pleasant.)
  • Kema hina hada.(This activity presents a challenge.)
  • Mabo, wida kura a dako nawa.(Friend, conditions are chilly and dim currently.)

Chapter 9: Transportation & Travel (Mova a Tura)

1. Vehicles & Transport (Mota)

  • Mota: Car / Motor vehicle
  • Basa: Bus
  • Tura: Train / Tour (Shortened from TR-ain)
  • Pena: Plane (Adapted from P-L-A-N-E → Pena)
  • Bota: Boat / Ship
  • Peda: Bicycle (Derived from Pedal)
  • Wiro: Wheel / Tire

2. Places Outside (Duka Ata)

  • Sopa: Store / Shop
  • Woka: Work / Job
  • Suku: School
  • Siti: City / Town
  • Paka: Park / Nature
  • Roda: Road / Street
  • Ata: Outside (Simplified from Out → Ata)

3. Directions & Navigation (Weya)

Essential tools when guiding a driver or assisting a child with spatial understanding!

  • Weya: Way / Path / Direction
  • Refa: Left
  • Rata: Right
  • Tupa: Up / Top
  • Dona: Down
  • Fona: Front / Forward
  • Baka: Back / Behind (Note: Bako indicates Container, whereas Baka designates Rear!)
  • Nira: Near / Close
  • Fara: Far

4. Travel Actions (Verbs)

Note: The system already incorporates Wako (Walk/Go) alongside Hato (Stop/Wait).

  • Mova: Move / Drive
  • Tona: Turn
  • Riva: Arrive
  • Viwa: Leave / Depart (Adapted from View/Away... alternatively, Depa is used).
  • Depa: Depart / Leave

📍 The "Nesting" Trick for Locations

By leveraging our regular grammar system, speakers can stack positional terms to pinpoint exact locations without relying on extra prepositions (such as in, on, at).

  • In the car: Hina mota (Here vehicle)
  • On the table: Tupa tebu (Top table)
  • Under the bed: Dona beda (Down bed)
  • Outside the house: Ata doma (Outside home)

Putting it into Practice (The Travel Flow)

Armed with these core terms, conversation transitions seamlessly from inside the house to the road.

In the Car / Navigating:

  • Suwa, tona refa hina.(Joseph, turn left here.)
  • Sopa bika nira ke?(Is the large shop nearby?)
  • Mova mota fasa!(Drive the vehicle rapidly!)
  • Nu hato roda redo.(We stop at the red signal.)
  • Tona rata, woka tora.(Turn right, work sits over there.)

Running Errands & Plans:

  • Nu wakoto paka nade.(We will head to the park today.)
  • Kemu depato suku keti?(Who leaves school at what time?)
  • Mi movato mota Siti.(I will drive the car into town.)
  • Titi wiyopa basa yero.(The infant spotted the yellow bus.)

Spatial Awareness:

  • Wiyo tupa! Pena bika tora.(Look above! A large aircraft sits up there.)
  • Titi, wako fona.(Child, step forward.)
  • Bako tu baka sepa.(Your container rests behind the object.)

Chapter 10: Health & Safety (Heta a Safi)

1. Medical & Body (Heta)

  • Heta: Health
  • Sika: Sick / Ill
  • Bubu: Injury / Wound / "Boo-boo"
  • Bura: Blood
  • Mesi: Medicine / Pill
  • Doka: Doctor
  • Bada: Bandage / Band-aid
  • Hura: Hurt / Pain (from Ch. 6)

2. Safety & Alerts (Safi)

  • Safi: Safe / Safety (from Ch. 2)
  • Daja: Danger / Dangerous (Dan-ger → Da-ja)
  • Hepa: Help
  • Kero: Careful / Caution (Care)
  • Kori: Fire (from Ch. 5)
  • Hoka: Hot (from Ch. 2)

3. Actions & Reactions

  • Foda: Fall / Drop (Fall-down → Fo-da)
  • Bero: Break / Broken
  • Kira: Cry
  • Biri: Breathe
  • Hato: Stop (from Ch. 2 - an essential protective action!)

🚑 The Power of Compound Safety Words

By combining Sika and Doma to form "Hospital," visitors can rapidly construct logical expressions during urgent moments using established roots:

  • Fire Truck: Kori-mota (Fire vehicle)
  • Ambulance: Hepa-mota (Help vehicle) or Sika-mota (Sick vehicle)
  • First-aid kit: Heta-bako (Health container)

Putting it into Practice (The Safety Flow)

Equipped with this toolkit, household members can address scraped joints or kitchen hazards entirely within the language rules.

Tumbles & Injuries:

  • Titi fodapa!(The baby collapsed!)
  • Titi, tu hura ke?(Child, do you feel pain?)
  • Oh na, bubu tora. Bura hina.(Oh no, a harm over there. Blood sits here.)
  • Piri vutu bada a mesi mi.(Kindly pass a bandage and remedy to me.)
  • Na kira, titi. Tu safi nawa.(Avoid weeping, little one. You remain secure currently.)

Hazards & Warnings:

  • Hato! Tebu hina daja.(Wait! The table here presents danger.)
  • Kero, kupa hoka peni.(Caution, the container stays extremely warm.)
  • Na kute wataduka, toya beropa.(Do not step inside the washroom, the toilet broke.)
  • Suwa, wiyo titi. Bako daja tora.(Partner, observe the infant. The container there carries risk.)

Requesting Support:

  • Hepa! Mi sika nade.(Assistance! I feel unwell today.)
  • Hedo mi hura. Mi takato mesi.(My head hurts. I shall consume remedy.)
  • Nu movato sikadoma.(We shall drive to the medical facility.)

Extended Vocabulary Appendix

1. Emotions, Mental States & Personality

Complements rapi (happy) and budi (upset).

Word English Meaning Phonetic Origin / Derivation
MadaMad / AngryMad
SadaSad / UnhappySad
SikeScared/AfraidScared
PuraProudProud
KalaCalm / QuietCalm
NosiLoud / NoisyNoisy
FoniFunny / SillyFunny
BoreBored / DullBored
KaniKind / GentleKind
MinaMean / RudeMean
BibaBusy / OccupiedBusy
KewaCurious / InquisitiveCurious
TakiThink / ThoughtThink
HopoHope / WishHope
DoriDream / ImagineDream
MemeRemember / MemoryMemory
FokeForgetForget
NoyoKnow / UnderstandKnow

2. Nature, Plants & The Outdoors

Expands on wida (weather), veta (plant), and paka (park).

Word English Meaning Phonetic Origin / Derivation
TiriTreeTree
GisaGrass/LawnGrass
FawaFlower / BlossomFlower
LifiLeafLeaf
SidiSeed / NutSeed
DotiDirt/Soil / GroundDirt
RokaRock / StoneRock
SadaSandSand
MuniMountain / HillMount
RibaRiver / StreamRiver
LekaLake / PondLake
SisiSea / OceanSea
BisiBeach / ShoreBeach
SukaSkySky
MunuMoonMoon
SetaStar (Celestial body)Star
FosaForest/WoodsForest

3. Animals & Wildlife

Complements kobi (pet/cat).

Word English Meaning Phonetic Origin / Derivation
DogoDog / CanineDog
BodiBird / AvianBird
FisiFish / Aquatic creatureFish
MawuMouse / Small RodentMouse
RabiRabbit / BunnyRabbit
BagaBug / InsectBug
BisiBeeBee
KawaCow / CattleCow
PikiPig / SwinePig
SipiSheepSheep
HosiHorseHorse
DakaDuckDuck

4. Clothing, Fabrics & Grooming

Expands on bata (shoe) and koto (coat).

Word English Meaning Phonetic Origin / Derivation
SatiShirt / TopShirt
PanaPants / TrousersPants
SokaSockSock
HataHat / CapHat
DiraDress / RobeDress
BuroBra / UnderwearBra
BeroBelt / StrapBelt
RiniRing / JewelryRing
WasaWatch/ClockWatch
BotaBootBoot
KuroCloth / FabricCloth
PokoPocket / PouchPocket
FasiFasten/Zip / ButtonFasten

5. Household Rooms, Furniture & Fixtures

Expands on doma (house), tebu (table), and beda (bed).

Word English Meaning Phonetic Origin / Derivation
WoroWallWall
FuroFloor / Ground insideFloor
RufuRoof / CeilingRoof
WidoWindowWindow
KabiCabinet / CupboardCabinet
DoriDrawerDrawer
SehaShelfShelf
MiroMirrorMirror
BiraBlanket / QuiltBlanket
PiroPillow / CushionPillow
RagaRug / CarpetRug
DeroDesk / Work tableDesk
YadoYard / Garden / PatioYard
GeraGarage / Car houseGarage

6. Tools, Materials & Hardware

Complements nafi (knife) and kodo (cord).

Word English Meaning Phonetic Origin / Derivation
HamaHammerHammer
SikuScrew / BoltScrew
NeraNail / PinNail
KutiScissors / ShearsCut-tool
TapeTape / AdhesiveTape
GuluGlue / PasteGlue
WudaWood / TimberWood
MetiMetal / Steel / IronMetal
PuraPlasticPlastic
GisaGlass (material)Glass
KaniCan / Tin containerCan
RopoRope / StringRope
BotoBottle / FlaskBottle

7. Actions: Household & Daily Routines

Expands on sido (sit), kafi (wash), and sato (cook).

Word English Meaning Phonetic Origin / Derivation
OpiOpenOpen
KuroClose / ShutClose
PusuPushPush
PuruPullPull
LifiLift / RaiseLift
DoroDrop / LowerDrop
HanaHang / SuspendHang
WipiWipe / ScrubWipe
SupaSweep / BroomSweep
TawaThrow / TossThrow
KasiCatch / SnatchCatch
FidiFeed / Provide foodFeed
BayoBuy / PurchaseBuy
PayaPay / CostPay
SeliSellSell
PisiPack / Store awayPack

8. Actions: Social, Communication & Play

Expands on hika (listen) and puye (play).

Word English Meaning Phonetic Origin / Derivation
TokoTalk / SpeakTalk
SayoSay / Tell / StateSay
AskiAsk / InquireAsk
AsoAnswer / ReplyAnswer
KoloCall/Shout / PhoneCall
KisaKissKiss
HaguHug / EmbraceHug
SamiSmileSmile
LafaLaugh / ChuckleLaugh
SeraShare / DivideShare
TisiTeach / InstructTeach
LenoLearn / StudyLearn
KopiCopy / MimicCopy
FisiFix / RepairFix

9. Extended Food, Pantry & Dining

Complements fudo (food), mito (meat), and bomi (bread).

Word English Meaning Phonetic Origin / Derivation
RasiRice / Grain dishRice
PasaPasta / NoodlePasta
BotoButter/Oil/ FatButter
SisiCheeseCheese
EgiEggEgg
SupaSoup / BrothSoup
SaraSalad/GreensSalad
SikiBeef / SteakBeef
PokoChicken / PoultryChicken
BifiPork / BaconPork
SugaSugar / SweetenerSugar
PepoPepper / SeasoningPepper
KofiCoffeeCoffee
TiyaTeaTea
JusuJuiceJuice
SanaSnackSnack

10. Abstract Relators, Spaces & Qualities

Expands on hina (here), tupa (up), and hada (hard).

Word English Meaning Phonetic Origin / Derivation
MidoMiddle / Center / BetweenMiddle
InaIn/Inside / InteriorIn
AwoOut/Away/GoneAway
SamiSame / Equal/ IdenticalSame
DifaDifferent / OtherDifferent
KawaClean / Pure / ClearClear
WuraWarm / CozyWarm
KuruCool / ChillyCool
BuriBright / ShinyBright
LuraLow / ShallowLow
ToroTall / HighTall
SotoShort / BriefShort
WidoWide / BroadWide
NeroNarrow / ThinNarrow
FitiFit/Proper / ReadyFit
RitiRight / Correct / TrueRight
WanoWrong/False / MistakeWrong
MasiMuch / Many / MoreMuch
LesiLess / Fewer