Most NPC names are either Dunmeri or based on real languages, such as Latin, French, or English. To determine which pronunciation guidelines to apply to the name, Google the name and check the race.

• Dunmer names: Check the Pronunciation guide above to see if the name is noted. If not, pronounce the name according to the General Dunmeri pronunciation rules above.

• Altmer Names: Can use the Dunmer pronunciation rules, but note that Altmer names tend to use "y" as a consonant rather than a vowel.

• Bosmer Names: Can also use Dunmer pronunciation rules, but note that Bosmer names tend to make use of the Tolkein "dh" for a hard "th" sound ("th" like in "those")

• Imperial Names: (ian-ius names) Latin pronunciation 

• Breton Names: French pronunciation

• Redguard Names: No particular guidelines, but their names tend to just be "generic English/American". Redguards sometimes have fantasy names like any other, but they often have names like Jim, Katie, Gary, Gwen, Ian, Jeanne, and Jamie. 

• Orc Names: Typically use short vowels for everything, with the exception of the "gro" in male surnames having a long o.

• Khajit Names: No particular guidelines

• Argonian Names: No particular guidelines

If you're not sure, ask for help in #voice_acting or #filecutting. Chances are, some of us will have likely recorded those names already and can tell you how to pronounce it. 

Previously, it was acceptable for non-Dunmer characters to mispronounce Dunmer words. However, the result was not as immersive as we hoped it would be and have now changed out guidance to aim for more consistent pronunciations. By and large, all speakers should be getting the pronunciations correct, regardless of race.

The only exception is if the "mispronunciation" is in line with the speaker's accent. For instance, if a speaker is shifting all short-i sounds to a long-e on regular words, then it's okay when a Dunmer word with a short-i gets pronounced with a long-e.

If you're ever unsure, don't be afraid to ask for help in #voice-acting or #filecutting!

For the most part, yes. If a word has a "canon" pronunciation from the original game or from later installments, we use that pronunciation, even if it is not consistent with Dunmeri pronunciation rules (such as Balmora).

However, it's important to note that some words have alternative pronunciations. Early in development, it was initially decided that "Dagoth Ur" and "Dunmer" would be different from their canon pronunciations to align with the Dunmeri vowel pronunciations. However, after much internal debate, we changed this to be in line with their pronunciations in the original Morrowind. That means “Dunmer” is now pronounced with a soft “u” (Dŭn mər) and “Dagoth” is now pronounced with a long “a” (Dā goth). The alternate, non-cannon pronunciations of "Doon-mer" and "Dah-goth" are now only used by Ashlanders.

Other certain exceptions are noted on the guide above, most which apply only to Ashlanders.

Although Dunmeris is typically spoken by Ashlanders, regular, non-Ashlander dunmer will sometimes speak in Dunmeri as well, especially if they particularly dislike outlanders (Camonna Tong members) or are Velothi (class of semi-recently settled Ashlanders).

The Dunmeris language and accent are inspired by the sound of Eastern European languages, such as Polish. Don't worry, you don't have to actually speak or understand the language! If you have Dunmeri lines, you are just expected to read it phonetically and fluidly. A translation should also be provided in your script for context

Additional dialogue reference recordings for the Dunmeris language:

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JZljpL9kAPUMCKp3uqzDN7j1z0FmK65t/

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/126bFv6gaZzJ5ALzkMWSca_haWSinWoJW/

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gTlkAwvoUITRXntz34G8mYYpC9e6gooP/  

The rules for Dunmer vowels generally apply to Dwemer vowels as well: A as in father, E as in egg, I as in in pig, O as in home, and U as in doom.

The tricky part for Dwemer places is when consonants are smashed together without vowels. In this case, try to vocalize the consonant as if there were a very brief vowel sound (the schwa) after it.

Skyrim has a few examples for canon pronunciations of Dwemer ruins:

• Nchardak 

• Bthardumz 

• Mzulft 

• Nchuand-Zel

We've documented many of the ruins in the guide above, but if you have a question on one we haven't recorded yet, don't hesitate to ask for help in #voice_acting or #filecutting!