are unique in that they do not have a single native tongue that is used among them. Instead, they have the largest array of different languages of any of the , with each species tending to have their very own, and usually very different language. Also, each language has different dialects that are spoken by those of varying areas.

Avians are famous for their talent in learning many different languages. Some tend to flaunt this, while others, such as most raptors (excepting the gryphons, who have an infamous tendency to be vain about certain things) simply consider it normal and do not bother to go out of their way to show it off.

If a non-avian knows a particular avians native tongue, the avian will often view it as a great compliment, as they recognize that non-avians do not have the same talent with linguistics, and they are flattered by the fact that of all the avian languages, theirs was chosen. However, one must be extremely careful because while they will consider it a compliment if you speak their language well, they may be insulted if you butcher it, or worse, mix it up with another avian language. Those who are already familiar with you, or know you are trying to learn may be more patient but in general, avians have a hard time staying patient for very long when learning languages is so natural to them. If a non-avian does happen to speak the native tongue of an avian well, however, not only will they view it as a compliment, but they are much more likely to do things such as grant favours - a fact that those who have to deal with them often take advantage of; especially for gryphons because their language is the easiest of all avian languages for non-avians to pronounce, and because gryphons are quite proud of their own language.

Among avians, there is a somewhat complex ettiquite with which language is used. If one invites a guest, it is expected that everyone use their tongue (with a few exceptions, such when a non-avian is present, in which is used, or when there is someone present of substantially higher importance, such as a leader of a group, in which that one is used). In the case of multiple guests, one is expected to use the language of the one considered most important, or if all are equal, one may use standard Kha'rlari when addressing everyone, and the guest's individual language when addressing that person individually (even when others are listening).

When engaging someone in casual conversation, it is proper for the one who initated the conversation to use the language of the other. When many are being addressed in this situation, the ettiquette can get quite complex, and is out of the scope of this section.

When giving a speech or lecture, if it is a situation where your presence was requested, you may use your native tongue. If you are making a speech unrequested, it is required that you use the language of those being addressed, unless they have different languages in which if they have a representative, you must use his or her language. If there is none, standard Kha'rlari is acceptable.

During combat and emergency situations, however, standard Kha'rlari is always used as a matter of course to eliminate the off-chance that someone may not know an obscure language of one individual, or that non-avians are invovled and an avian happens to forget that. During these times, ettiquette is dropped and nobody will take offense when you use the wrong language while having a giant electricity ball flying towards you.

There are, of course, occasional times when you just happen to meet someone who you do not know the native language for. In this case, the only way not to be improper is to apologize for it in standard Kha'rlari. The rest of the conversation that follows will be in Kha'rlari if you are aware that there is even a single person who you do not know the native language for (though this is not applicable in large audience situations, unless one of the people you do not know the language for is of some importance to the occasion). As it cannot be expected that anyone knows every language of everyone when they have no clue who they will meet, none will take offense over this if the situation is dealt with properly. However, if you are meeting someone in particular, it is customary to find out what their native language is and make sure you know it if you have a reasonable amount of time.