The Art of Language

Filed Under Tools of the Trade, Worldbuilding | Leave a Comment

A fun/frustrating hallmark of fantasy is the chance to invent a new language. Of course, there’s a complete range of invention.

There are the J. K. Rowlings of the world who only need to invent the occasional interesting word, like quidditch or muggle. Then there are the J. R. R. Tolkiens who invent entire languages, like Elven. (He was a linguist, but still.)

The rest of us probably fall somewhere in between. We invent translations of words for our foreign characters, or words to describe new items or concepts.

Personally, I’m a fan of Tamora Pierce’s work. Her words roll off the tongue, and make sense in story context. A favorite of mine is “azigazi,” a Trader word meaning something like mirage.

Also, you know how some people teach their dogs commands in German so other people can’t control them? In her latest book, Bloodhound, this same concept appears in training the Provost’s Guard dogs, although they obviously don’t use German. I’m totally training my next dog in Kyprish!

Do you invent language in your stories? Share your favorite word!

  • Welcome

    new haircut

    Hi, I'm Jenn, new grad student and old YA fantasy writer. I've long dreamed of being a novelist, and I bet you have too. I hope you find my blog helpful, inspiring, and maybe just a little bit fun. (But not too much fun. Writing is serious business, you know.)

    You can follow me on Twitter or Facebook, or email me at:
    jennifer.a.johnson7 at gmail dot com

  • Official Progress


    4/21 segments

    A narrator hijacks a cliche fantasy story, much to the chagrin of its characters.

    Status: Second revision



    1,639/70,000 words
    A young noblewoman with strange powers must choose: her king or her soul.

    Status: First draft



    1,087/70,000 words
    When a girl's heart is stolen, she's plunged into a world of magic and shadows - but can she get her heart back before she loses it completely?

    Status: First draft





  • All writing, unless otherwise specified, is the property of
    Jennifer Johnson © 2010