fandomhigh | Cross Species Communications

"Hello class." Mary said as soon as the classroom had settled down. "I hope you all had a pleasant weekend. I was able to meet with a few parents, guardians and... Others."

Yes Jude she's looking at you.

"If your parents or guardians were not able to attend this weekend I would be happy to discuss your progress with them over the phone. But it is up to you to let them know that is an option."

No, she's not smirking.

"Today we are discussing the language of Filis silvestris catus, also known as the domesticated or 'house' cat. The language itself will serve with any member of the Felidae family. But, being the language of a branch that shares it's habitat for the most part with humans, the vocabulary is a bit broader. The domesticated language lends itself more to direct translation from human languages. A wild cat, be it a feral silvestris catus or one of the lager wild Felidae, will understand what you're saying if you speak Domestic to it. Though they might think you sound a bit... Posh. We have two guest speakers today to illustrate this, but we'll get to that in a bit."

"They use more than one hundred vocalizations and types of body language for communication." Mary explained. "Which makes it about ten times as complex as the language of hounds which we've already covered. The unique sound a cat makes is rendered onomatopoeically as "meow" or similar variants ("miaow", "miau" etc.) in most European languages as well as Mandarin Chinese. Though the French often write the sound a cat makes as 'ron'. Japanese has it as "nyaau", "nyu", or "nyan"; Korean as "yaong" or "nyaong". In Arabic the sound is transcribed as "mowa'a" or "naw". Other variants exist throughout the world. This unique sound is referred to by those who consider themselves experts as a 'Call'. Hence the phrase 'Cat Call'. The cat's pronunciation of this call varies significantly depending onmeaning. Usually cats call out to indicate pain, request humanattention (to be fed or played with, for example), or as a greeting."

Mary goes on to give some information about communication and body language.

"As I said before, we have two guest speakers today. One is... Merdebaise..." Mary didn't comment on the meaning of that name. "Who was until recently fending for herself. The other is Pywackit, who has lived with people all his life."

[ooc: Sorry for lateness, ~~please wait for OCD~~ open!]]

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//Thank you very much,// Willow said. //Would you be terribly bothered if I asked you some questions?//

//I was warned there would be questions.// The cat responded. //Ask which ever questions you wish.//

//That's very kind of you,// Willow said. //I was wondering - do you know many cats? Cats of different types?//

//I am the only superior creature in my dwelling.// He answered. //But occasionally others of my kind who live on their own or dwell with mortals or Humans come along. It is rare.//

Willow looked thoughtful. //Do you know anything about lions?//

Pywackit thought for a moment.

//They are very large, and do not tend to serve Mistresses as I serve mine.//

//Do you know if they're allergic to chocolate?// Willow asked.

//My Mistress maintains that the substance is bad for a majority of living things. I doubt that she is trying to keep more of it for herself.//

//Nuts,// Willow said, looking a little pouty. //I've been trying to find out but nobody seems to know for sure. Do you know if lion language is very different from yours?//

//I do not believe that it is.// Pywackit answered. //Though I have not met any real lions myself.//

//That's some hope then,// Willow said. //So what are your favorite foods?//

//I'm fond of bird... and fish... and shrimp... and the occasional prey-thing.//

//What's the best way to greet a cat, do you think?// Willow asked. //To get on your good side.//

//Offerings are good.// Pywackit mused.

Willow made a note of that. //Do you like humans or would you rather be with other cats?//

//I wouldn't mind being in the company of other superior beings I suppose. I don't mind the company of Humans other then my Mistress. Mortals... not so much. I'll tolerate them if I must.//

Willow frowned. //Are there exceptions to the rule? I feel bad if you're only tolerating me. I could stop bothering you if I am.//

//You are not bothering me. You are Human.//

//Who are Mortals then?// Willow asked.

The cat looked at Kaoru, "He is." he said.

//Oh, okay,// Willow said. //So would you say I was doing okay from a cat perspective?//

The cat gave that some thought.

And then gave it some more thought.

//I would say that you are.// Pywackit said finally.

"Yay!" Willow said, in English. She then switched back to Cat. //May I offer you skritches?//

Pywackit's eyes closed partially in anticipation of scritches as he answered,

//You may.//

Willow smiled and went to skritch Pywackit for as long as she was able.

Re: GUEST SPEAKER - Pywackit

spit-spot.livejournal.com - 2006-10-25 18:08 (UTC) - Expand

Cross Species Communications - Monday

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