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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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'''High Gothic''' (or "Tech") is the hieratic tongue of the [[Imperium]], used in the titles of ancient institutions and organisations (such as the [[Adeptus Terra]]). It represents an older language and is regarded as holy. In the [[Age of the Imperium]], it is the Warhammer equivalent of Latin or French during the the real-life medieval age.
High Gothic is also known as "Tech" as it is a version of the language in which technical rituals and ancient works are recorded. This developed during the [[Dark Age of Technology]]. It derives from the common tongue of the time, an assimilation of English, European and Pacific languages which developed over many centuries in the AmericanMerican/Pan-Pacific region. This was the universal medium of written record until the [[Age of Strife]], and was spoken as a first language by many and as a second language by almost everyone. Its idioms and vocabulary now appear archaic and mystic, and many of its words have acquired religious significance over the years. It is the language of the [[Tech-priest]]s and of forbidden books.
High Gothic is unintelligible to most Imperial citizens. It is only the language of important [[adept]]s and members of the [[Inquisition]], and even among those who can speak it, it is only a second language. It is used only formally (as in pious benedictions), rather than as a casual language.
