The way I remember it, High Speech originated in Gilead and the more civilized areas of Roland's world. It can be seen as akin to Olde English, in that it is a "sophisticated", ancient, dying language. Words like Char (Charyou Tree etc) are High Speech words. The grammar is denser than Low Speech, befitting "intelligent" nobles. Low Speech is more akin to standard English, but includes common phrases from High Speech like Thankee Sai, Ka etc. The grammar is less complex, befitting a more "common" tongue. I suppose a better comparison might be Latin and English?Stonemaybe wrote:something I've meant to investigate but can't remember the proper bit - what's the difference between 'HIGH speech' and low?
Heres a breakdown of some High Speech words... www.stephenking.com/darktower/glossary.html
I highly recommend you read Robin Furth's extensions and explorations into the Dark Tower after you have finished the books. The graphic novels are also excellent.