Languages

[The Barrow-Wight]

I'm interested in studying the languages of Middle-earth. I know there are several really great sites out there, and I plan to use them. I also have the book 'The Languages of middle-earth' by Ruth Noel, but she seems to have fairly liberal with her 'interpretations'.

I was wondering if any of you would like to work together with me in my studies. Maybe we could create a 'conversational Elvish'.


I'd like to first study the names and phrases used in the Lord of the Rings and then progress outward. In the fellowship of the Ring the first Elvish seen is:
<blockquote>Quote:<hr> Gilthoniel! O Elbereth!<hr></blockquote>
The Silmarillion says:
Gilthoniel
gil = 'star'
Elbereth = 'Star Queen'
êl, elen = 'star'

So what do -thoniel and -bereth mean? Does bereth = 'queen'?

Can any of you solve these two simple words citing your sources?

Think of this like a lesson. We are all teachers, but we don't add new words until the current words and questions are answered. I don't want this to turn into a thread where people are randomly adding words to the pot. Instead, I'd like to see words thoroughly discussed and added to the WORD LIST before we move on to new words.