Karhean

Karhean is a term that appears primarily in speculative fiction and worldbuilding to designate a cultural-linguistic zone, a people, or a language group. There is no universally accepted definition; different authors apply the name to different settings. Etymology is unclear and usually speculative; karhean is generally a created word chosen for its phonetic character rather than derived from a specific language.

In various works, Karhean may refer to a geographically defined region, an ethnolinguistic grouping, or a language continuum. Descriptions commonly emphasize distinctive architecture, social organization, art forms, and ritual traditions. Some portrayals emphasize antiquity and isolation; others present trade networks connecting with neighboring regions. The details are intentionally varied by author.

In scholarly or fan contexts, karhean examples are discussed in terms of worldbuilding techniques: how authors establish cultural consistency, phonology, and naming systems to evoke a cohesive setting. Because karhean is not tied to a real culture, references are context-dependent and should be read within the specific work.