Mermish

Mermish is the native language of the Merpeople.^[1]

Description

Mermish is a curious language that is specifically adapted for use underwater. When underwater it sounds much like English, or perhaps even like any other language;^[2] however, out of water the language changes to a screeching, harsh and raspy sound.^[3]

Mermish also has a written form, as it was one of the seventy-two languages that Miranda Goshawk's Book of Spells was published in.^[4]

History

It is unknown whether non-Merpeople who can speak Mermish sound the same as Merpeople underwater i.e. whether or not they retain an accent (though they probably do) though it is known that non-Merpeople can speak it. Dylan Marwood and Albus Dumbledore were known non-Merperson speakers,^[5] and Percy Weasley claimed that Bartemius Crouch Senior could also speak it.^[6]

Behind the scenes

• In Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Jacob's sibling can't understand a merwoman even while underwater in the Great Lake.^[7]

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film) (Only heard from golden egg)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game) (Only heard from golden egg)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game) (Only heard from golden egg)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
• Pottermore (Mentioned only)
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Mentioned only)
• Wonderbook: Book of Spells (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter: The Creature Vault (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery

Notes and references