Changes

The hiragana used, however, is a traditional Okinawan orthography which associates different sounds to the characters than their normal Japanese readings. The characters used to write ''omoro'', for example (おもろ), would be written this same way, but pronounced as ''umuru'' in the [[Okinawan language]].

The hiragana used, however, is a traditional Okinawan orthography which associates different sounds to the characters than their normal Japanese readings. The characters used to write ''omoro'', for example (おもろ), would be written this same way, but pronounced as ''umuru'' in the [[Okinawan language]].

The poetry contained in the volumes extends from the 12th century, or possibly earlier, to some composed by the Queen of King [[Sho Nei|Shô Nei]] (1589-1619). Though formally composed and recorded at these times, many are believed to derive from far earlier traditions, as a result of their language, style, and content. The poems contained in the compilation vary, but follow a general pattern of celebrating famous heroes of the past, from poets and warriors to kings and voyagers. A few are love poems. They range from two verses to forty, some making extensive use of rhyme and couplet structures.

The poetry contained in the volumes extends from the 12th century, or possibly earlier, to some composed by the Queen of King [[Sho Nei|Shô Nei]] (1589-1619). [[Eiso]] ([[1229]]-[[1299]]) is the earliest ruler mentioned by name in the text.<ref>Gregory Smits, ''Early Ryukyuan History: A New Model'', Univ. of Hawaii Press (2024), 32.</ref> Though formally composed and recorded at these times, many are believed to derive from far earlier traditions, as a result of their language, style, and content. The poems contained in the compilation vary, but follow a general pattern of celebrating famous heroes of the past, from poets and warriors to kings and voyagers. A few are love poems. They range from two verses to forty, some making extensive use of rhyme and couplet structures.

==Etymology==

==Etymology==