The Art of Constructed Language: Understanding the Rise of Fictional Tongues
Language is a powerful tool for communication, but it is also a way to tell stories. From the sagas of ancient Icelanders to the songs of the African savannah, language has been a medium for storytelling throughout human history. But what happens when those stories aren’t real? What if they are set in a fantastical world or a sci-fi future that doesn’t exist? That’s where constructed language comes in.
Constructed languages, or conlangs, are languages that have been created artificially by an individual or group of individuals. These languages can be designed for fictional lands like J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth or for movies like James Cameron’s Avatar. They can also be used for real-life communication, like Esperanto, a language created to be a universal language for international communication. But why do people create these languages in the first place?
The roots of constructed language can be traced back to the 17th century, when philosopher John Wilkins published a proposal for a universal language in his book “An Essay Towards A Real Character And A Philosophical Language”. This idea was built upon in the 19th century when a Polish doctor named Ludwik Zamenhof created Esperanto as a way to unite people of different languages and cultures. But it wasn’t until the 20th century that constructed language began to rise in popularity.
One of the biggest influencers of modern constructed language is J.R.R. Tolkien, an English writer and language enthusiast. Tolkien created fictional languages like Quenya and Sindarin for his high fantasy novels “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”. These languages were fully developed, complete with grammar rules, vocabulary, and even writing systems. But why go through all the trouble of creating languages that nobody can speak?
For Tolkien, language was an essential part of worldbuilding. He believed that having fully developed languages added to the authenticity and depth of his fictional world. The languages of Middle-earth were not just a tool for communication, but a way to express the different cultures and histories of the races inhabiting his world. Each language had its own unique flavor that reflected the personalities of the people who spoke it. This attention to detail contributed greatly to the success of his novels.
But Tolkien’s influence didn’t stop with his books. His languages inspired a whole generation of language enthusiasts who became interested in creating their own constructed languages. One of these enthusiasts was David Peterson, the creator of the Dothraki and Valyrian languages for the TV series “Game of Thrones”.
Peterson’s approach to constructed language was heavily influenced by Tolkien’s work. He believed that a good constructed language should be both realistic and aesthetically pleasing. He spent years developing Dothraki and Valyrian, taking into account the cultures and histories of the fictional peoples who spoke them. He even created a script for Valyrian that was used in the show.
The success of “Game of Thrones” brought constructed language to the mainstream, sparking a renewed interest in the artform. Now, there are countless online communities dedicated to creating and sharing constructed languages. The Conlang subreddit, for example, has over 40,000 members and is a hub for language enthusiasts to share their creations and get feedback from other conlangers.
But why do people dedicate so much time and energy to constructing languages that they and few others will ever speak? For some, it’s a way to escape reality and live in a world of their own creation. Constructed language allows them to be the sole creator and ruler of a language, a power that is not afforded in the real world. For others, it’s a way to explore different cultures and ways of thinking. Creating fictional languages can be a way to express their understanding of the world and the people who inhabit it.
So, what does the future hold for constructed language? With the rise of technology, the possibilities are endless. New tools and platforms are being developed all the time that make it easier than ever to create and share conlangs. Virtual reality and augmented reality could also provide new ways to experience and interact with these fictional languages.
In the end, constructed language is more than just a hobby or a creative outlet. It’s a way to explore the power of language and the human imagination. And in a world that is becoming increasingly globalized and interconnected, it’s a reminder of the importance of communication and understanding. As Ludwik Zamenhof once said, “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” Constructed languages may not be widely spoken, but they open up a world of possibilities for those who choose to learn them.