Star Trek’s Klingon, Middle-Earth’s Elfish, and Avatar’s Na’vi. What do all these languages have in common? They are all fictional, but they’re all whole languages.

Constructed languages, or conlangs, are fictional language systems that are constructed deliberately. This is opposed to used language, which develops organically over a certain period with popular use. Conlangs are typically divided into three categories: (1) auxiliary languages, which were invented to “ease” human communication (Esperanto); (2) engineered languages, which were invented as an experiment (Ithkuil); and (3) artistic Languages, which are created either for fun or to add a layer of realism to a fictional universe (Klingon).

While conlangs have a practical function, like Esperanto or Pig Latin which are used for actual human communication, most popular conlangs were created for fictional universes. This is because language is an essential part of culture and also implies that the universe has a history, thus making it more realistic and grounded.

If you’re a writer who aspires to create a language for their universe, know that this is no easy feat and that it could take years for you to complete the task. However difficult the process may be, it’s also pretty rewarding, and you end up with a product that could be even more enduring than just your story. Here are some ways to help you get started with constructing your very own conlang.

1. Read Up on Linguistics

   As someone endeavoring to create their own language, it is of utmost importance that you have at least a basic grasp of linguistics, or the science of languages. Linguistics tells you how things are pronounced, why things are pronounced as such, how meaning is created, how meaning is understood, and so much more. By studying linguistics, you get a brief glimpse of how strings of words combine to create meaning.

2. Consider Languages You Already Know

   It may be tempting to build something from the ground up, but even accomplished linguists have difficulty creating languages from scratch, simply because linguistics governs everything: all of it—from the paragraph to the utterance—must make logical sense. So to save yourself some time (and sanity), think about the languages you already know and borrow some elements from each one. When combined, these should give you an entirely different language—your conlang is born!

3. Look at the Conlangs that Exist Today

   Despite plenty of conlangs being fictional, there are whole communities which can fluently speak them. There are even some academics who not only know conlangs but also do research on them. Why is that so? Is it because they’re easy to learn and understand? Is it because they sound good when spoken aloud? Studying other conlangs might just help you find the secret to success for your own conlang.

4. Decide on How Grammar Would Work

   Grammar is essential in creating a realistic language. If you assign random words to represent certain sentences, your language ends up being limited because an entire group of text also represents another group of text, as opposed to creating a sentence with parts that can be broken down and used differently. Putting grammar rules makes your conlang easy to understand and remember.

5. Enrich Your Vocabulary

   Enrich your language’s vocabulary by creating all kinds of words: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, superlatives, addresses, introductions, counting systems, and others. Make sure to keep a list of these invented words as well, so you don’t end up with inconsistencies. If you have no idea where to start with your vocabulary, try starting with common greetings, such as “hello,” “welcome,” and “goodbye” and then start building the rest from there.

6. Establish External Rules

   Other than rules on grammar and actual vocabulary, you should also be able to establish how your language is used. How do the speakers use the language? Is there a difference with how the language is used, for example, by educated and uneducated people? Does your language have any slang, idioms, or common phrases? Enriching your language with these helps make it more realistic and grounded.

Sources:

• 5 Tips for Creating Believable Fictional Languages | Helping Writers Become Authors

• Want To Invent A Fictional Language? Here’s How To Do It – Part 1 | STANDOUT BOOKS

• INVENTED LANGUAGES | WHY WE CREATE THEM AND HOW THEY ARE USED | eurolinguiste

For affordable and professional proofreading, copy editing, and writing services, trust only inwrite.com!