The Art of Language

26 July 2010 | Filed Under Tools of the Trade, Worldbuilding 

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!

Comments

Leave a Reply