Ancient Language

The Ancient Language was once the language of all beings in Alagaësia, but was later used only by the elves and some humans, as well as the dwarves in the crowning of their king.

Overview
It was the language of the Grey Folk but then, somehow, they managed to tie their language with magic. It was used to command and regulate magic. Each act of magic was linked to a specific word; therefore, it was generally true that the more knowledge one had of the Ancient Language, the more magic they could perform. It was also possible for experienced magicians to utilize Non-verbal manipulation, although this was extremely dangerous.

It was impossible to lie in the Ancient Language because words spoken in the language were unquestionably true. Although it was said that the elves were masters at saying one thing and meaning another (for example, the swordsmith, Rhunön, said she would never make another weapon but made one through Eragon). Because of the candid nature of the language, oaths of allegiance and similar contracts were usually conducted in it, ensuring they would not be broken, though they could be twisted to be ineffective if the one who made the oath left enough loopholes in their wording.

Names in the Ancient Language were "true names" and the knowledge of such a title was a source of power and control. On a related note, the real name of the Ancient Language, the knowledge of which allows one to change the meaning of words, and is found by Galbatorix, and subsequently used against him in the final struggle against him.

Phrases
All adjectives are used after nouns (ex. 'the strong woman' would literally translate as 'the woman strong').