The Common Tongue?

[jael]

I have a 'historical' type question about language. When did Westron become the Common Tongue?

I have a Sindarin speaking Elf visiting Moria at the end of the Second Age. The Dwarves will not be speaking Khuzdul to him, but I need to know what language they would use with outsiders. Sindarin, from their relationship with the Noldor of Eregion? Or had Adunaic (I meant Westron) already become the lingua franca of Middle-earth?

[russandol]

Mar 26, 2010 11:06:15 GMT -6 jael said:

When did Westron become the Common Tongue?

Westron = Common Tongue. I guess you mean when it became widespread in ME?

I have a Sindarin speaking Elf visiting Moria at the end of the Second Age. The Dwarves will not be speaking Khuzdul to him, but I need to know what language they would use with outsiders. Sindarin, from their relationship with the Noldor of Eregion? Or had Adunaic already become the lingua franca of Middle-earth?

If I remember rightly, at first the Númenoreans would only speak Sindarin (Adûnaic was too tainted after all that had happened...). Adûnaic evolved (not a clue for how long) and then the Númenoreans began to use its derivation again as their realms grew and added Sindarin influence - you have Westron!

I would go for Sindarin in your story.