v. to speak (to), talk, converse; to discuss; to battle with Thu’um
n. speech, talk, conversation; discussion; battle, esp. with Thu’um

There is no distinction between debate and combat to a dragon. Tinvaak los grah. For us it is one and the same.
Tinvaak los grah = “talk/speech is battle”
(Paarthurnax, 0005597E)

Arngeir. Rok los Dovahkiin, Strundu'ul. Rok fen tinvaak Paarthurnax.
[Arngeir. He is Dragonborn, (the) Stormcrown. He will speak (to) Paarthurnax.]
(Einarth, 000B3980)

Associated not only with regular speech but Shouting; can also refer to battles involving Shouts.

May share root with kotin ‘into’ and amativ ‘onwards’ indicating direction, to direct one’s voice at something.