Constructed languages, also known as conlangs, hold an enchanting spot in the cultural and intellectual landscape. They are artificial languages, devised by individual creators or groups, instead of naturally evolving over time like natural languages. Their domains extend across a variety of fields from international diplomacy to science fiction and fantasy. This article explores the intricate and exciting world of constructed languages, from the idealistic intentions of Esperanto to the exotic scripts of Dothraki in the ‘Game of Thrones’.
The Birth of Constructed Languages
The history of constructed languages stretches back centuries. Early forms include Lingua Ignota, created by the 12th-century nun Hildegard of Bingen, and the philosophical languages of the 17th century, like the a priori language created by philosopher John Wilkins that aimed to classify and represent knowledge of the world.
However, the constructed language most people are familiar with came into existence in the late 19th century: Esperanto.
Esperanto: An Idealistic Pursuit
Created by L. L. Zamenhof, Esperanto was designed to be an easy-to-learn and politically neutral language that transcends nationality, fostering peace and international understanding. Unlike natural languages, Esperanto follows a regular and simple grammar, making it easier to learn. It draws vocabulary primarily from European languages.
Esperanto had its roots in the idealistic internationalism of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Zamenhof, a linguist with a vision of a united humanity, believed that a common language would help overcome cultural and ethnic barriers, reducing conflicts. While Esperanto has not been universally adopted, as Zamenhof had hoped, it has gained a dedicated community of speakers worldwide. It’s estimated there are up to two million Esperanto speakers globally, with some families even raising their children as native Esperanto speakers.
Constructed Languages in the Modern World
While the creation of Esperanto was a political and idealistic project, constructed languages have also been created for other purposes: to explore linguistic theory, to enrich fictional worlds, and to serve as auxiliary or secret languages.
Tolkien’s Elvish: The Art of Conlanging for Fiction
J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of “The Lord of the Rings,” was also a philologist, with a profound understanding of language and its evolution. He used this knowledge to create several languages for his Middle-earth, the most famous being Quenya and Sindarin, the languages of the Elves.
Quenya, influenced by Finnish and Latin, is known as the “high” language in the Elvish culture. In contrast, Sindarin, which has Welsh influences, is commonly spoken among the Elves. Tolkien’s languages were constructed with meticulous detail, featuring their own phonetics, vocabulary, and grammar rules. More than merely a prop, these languages breathed life into Tolkien’s world, adding depth and realism to the Elves’ culture.
Klingon and Na’vi: The Age of Sci-Fi Conlangs
The concept of constructed languages took a different form in the realm of science fiction, where they became an integral part of world-building. ‘Star Trek’ gave us Klingon, a language as robust and aggressive as the alien species for whom it was designed. Linguist Marc Okrand constructed Klingon to sound alien, making use of rare sounds in human languages and a unique syntax.
In James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’, the Na’vi language was created by linguist Dr. Paul Frommer. Designed to be spoken by the film’s humanoid aliens living in harmony with their planet’s nature, Na’vi reflects these characteristics with its complex verb system and sounds that aim to emulate the aliens’ unique vocal apparatus.
Dothraki and High Valyrian: Languages of Ice and Fire
In the realm of fantasy television, George R.R. Martin’s ‘Game of Thrones’ introduced us to Dothraki and High Valyrian. The task of developing these languages fell to linguist David J. Peterson, who expanded upon the few words and phrases present in Martin’s books.
Dothraki, the language of the nomadic horse-mounted warriors, is marked by its harsh, guttural sounds and lack of a passive voice, reflecting the active, harsh lifestyle of the Dothraki people. In contrast, High Valyrian, once the language of a vast empire, is complex and refined, with a detailed system of declensions.
The creation of these languages demonstrates the potential for conlangs to provide cultural depth and a sense of realism within a fictional universe.
The Role of Constructed Languages Today
Constructed languages play a significant role in the 21st century. They foster international communication, enrich fictional worlds, provide a medium for linguistic experimentation, and sometimes, simply serve as a fascinating hobby.
Many constructed languages, such as Esperanto, Interlingua, and Volapük, were created with the intent of promoting international communication. While none of these has achieved widespread acceptance, they continue to have dedicated communities of speakers and offer insights into linguistic features and internationalization.
In the realm of entertainment, constructed languages have never been more prominent. They add depth and realism to the worlds they inhabit, enhancing the audience’s immersive experience. As a testament to this, there are dedicated communities worldwide learning languages like Klingon, Na’vi, and Dothraki, driven by their love for the respective franchises and the intellectual challenge that learning a conlang provides.
Furthermore, constructed languages offer a platform for linguistic exploration. They can serve as experimental tools for linguists and cognitive scientists, helping to understand the relationship between language, thought, and culture.
Conclusion
In the wide-ranging world of constructed languages, we see the intersection of art, science, culture, and imagination. These linguistic inventions are not merely a collection of artificial words but a mirror to the vast diversity and creative potential of the human mind. They bring us closer to understanding the nuances of communication, providing insights into our social constructs and cultural narratives. From Esperanto’s internationalist idealism to the richly imagined tongues of Middle Earth, Star Trek, and Game of Thrones, constructed languages offer us a fascinating journey into the heart of human creativity. Whether designed to unite people, to embellish fictitious worlds, or to advance the science of linguistics, these languages hold a unique place in human intellectual history and continue to fascinate us with their diversity, complexity, and beauty.
