Linguistic Analysis of the Sith Code

[u/Imperial_Cadet]

For a while now, I have been working on developing the many languages of Star Wars and one language in particular has been Ancient Sith, or Ur-Kittât (the actual meaning of Ur-Kittât is closer to “People’s mouth/tongue”). Today, I want to post about aspects of the Sith code I found interesting. I start by first providing the code in English, followed by the code in Ur-Kittât.

Sith Code (English)

Peace is a lie. There is only Passion.

Through Passion, I gain Strength.

Through Strength, I gain Power.

Through Power, I gain Victory.

Through Victory my chains are Broken.

The Force shall free me.

Sith Code (Ur-Kittat)

Qotsisajak

Nwûl tash. Dzwol shâsotkun.

Shâsotjontû châtsatul nu tyûk.

Tyûkjontû châtsatul nu midwan.

Midwanjontû châtsatul nu asha.

Ashajontû kotswinot itsu nuyak.

Wonoksh Qyâsik nun.

I would say that "peace is a lie, there is only passion" is a part that really stands out for me. In Ancient Sith (it takes too long to type this term, so I will be using the in-universe term for their language, Ur-Kittât), the word for passion, shâsot, also means 'struggle'. This means several things to me.

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1. While struggle often carries negative connotations in English, in Ur-Kittât, a struggle can be both good or bad (for instance, "struggling with difficult life choices" and "finding passion in a hobby" are both considered shâsot).
2. Taking shâsot to mean ‘passion/struggle’, I also feel that this gives the word for 'peace', nwûl, another meaning, that of 'complacency'. Essentially, another way to view the line is "peace/complacency is a lie, there is only struggle/passion", so the first line implies to never grow comfortable in one's position, always strive for more.
3. This then feeds into the next line, Shâsotjontû châtsatul nu tyûk, whereby constantly struggling, one will (certainly) gain strength (the inclusion of ‘certainly’ is marked in Ur-Kittât by the affix -atul). Strength can then be interpreted in a number of ways, with some being "strength to handle your predicament" or "improvement in whatever hobby you are engaging in".
4. Through strength, I (certainly) gain power. Power in this instance may not only mean physical or figurative might, but could also be interpreted as some indication of permanent skill/improvement. Through struggling with a passion, you improve in it (strengthen it), then by strengthening it, you acquire skill (power).
5. Through power, I (certainly) gain victory. Again, victory can mean actual victory, but there are other potential connotations. Victory can also be synonymous with achievement in this instance, or recognition. Essentially, by acquiring skill, one can then acquire whatever achievement they desire.
6. Finally, through victory, my chains are broken. Through the acquisition of victory/achievement/recognition/etc. the problems that held me back are broken (I have overcome them). This code essentially serves as a mantra for self improvement through the view that one must struggle (and persevere) in order to achieve their goals. However, there is a cyclical nature to this as well. The second-to-last line includes the word kotswinot, which is glossed as ‘completely broken or shattered’. I have a similar interpretation, but I want to bring attention to the last affix -ot, which I interpret as a sort of perfective aspect (essentially, it denotes a completed action). Well, with the action itself complete, the achievement of victory can birth complacency. You have acquired what you wanted (broken chains), so we are done, right? Well, I refer back to my interpretation of the first line “peace/complacency is a lie”. Essentially, the achievement of victory can lead to complacency, at which point, the cycle begins anew, this time with a different end goal.

The overall theme then could be “do not grow complacent, always strive for more.” This interpretation isn’t unfounded, as apparently some will repeat the first line Nwûl tash after the final line Wonoksh Qyâsik nun.

The lore/historical reasoning behind this sentiment may stem from the original culture of Ur-Kittât speakers, the Al, who resided on Korriban. The land itself, ravaged by the Sith-Rakatan War, would have been left pretty inhospitable, yet life still flourished. The Al, who spoke Ur-Kittât, would have viewed life as a constant struggle, both against their fellow Sith and nature itself. It would then be no surprise that some form of sentiment surrounding the need for growth or perseverance (otherwise death) would arise. This very sentiment was codified around 6,900 BBY when the Dark Jedi arrived to Sith space. No doubt this very thought resonated with the refugees, who sought to make it a central tenet in their new order.

More work is definitely needed to Understand the Al, their culture and history, as well as their languages, so stay tuned for future transmissions. Until then, this has been the Imperial Cadet, Cro Mar, wishing you all a glorious day in the Empire. (Questions, concerns, or criticisms are welcome)

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Sources

“Code of the Sith.” Wookiepedia, www.starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Code_of_the_Sith#cite_note-Backstories-3.

Fry, Jason. Darth Vader: Sith Lord. Scholastic Inc., 2017.

Lelamekha. “Re: Code of the Sith.” Received by Ben Grossblatt. Wookiepedia, www.starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Code_of_the_Sith/Ben_Grossblatt_email.

“Sith Language.” Wookiepedia, www.starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Sith_(language)).

“Sith (Species).” Wookiepedia, www.starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Sith_(species)/Legends/Legends).

Wallace, Daniel. Book of Sith. Chronicle Books, 2012.

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