prokáu

Prokáu is a term used in world-building and speculative fiction to denote a ritual vocalization performed during ceremonial occasions in certain fictional cultures. In the imagined language family of Arkal, prokáu is described as a compound word formed from pro- meaning “before” and káu meaning “voice” or “call,” though etymologies can vary by tradition within the narrative. In narrative contexts, prokáu functions as a formal utterance that accompanies ritual actions such as feasting, initiation, or the marking of seasonal change.

The performance of prokáu is typically led by a designated ritualist or elder and delivered in a defined melodic contour and set tempo. It may be a single phrase or a short sequence of lines, often structured in a call-and-response with participants. Drums, flutes, or other percussion are commonly used to accompany the chant, and gestures or symbolic objects may be coordinated with the vocal line.

In-world significance, prokáu acts as a social signaling device, reinforcing communal bonds, marking transitions between social stages, or opening ceremonial spaces for collective activity. Its exact form and meaning vary among groups, with some traditions emphasizing memory of ancestors, others stressing renewal or ethical injunctions. Because prokáu is a fictional construct, its details exist primarily within a given narrative universe or constructed-language project, and real-world linguistic data do not apply.