Fantasy Languages – In writing

Happy Wednesday!

This last week, I started a re-watch of Star Wars with the prequels. Okay, let’s be real I love Star Wars as a universe. I also greatly enjoy Star Trek. But the one thing that always amazes me is the multitude of language created to represent cultures across the galaxy so much so that they solved the language barrier by having droids that speak or can extrapolate languages to communicate. (At least that’s what I think C-3PO did on Endor). Then on Tumblr a post about Tolkien’s creation of his fantasy languages and his use of early versions of words before the development of the current languages today.

I started thinking about my WIPs and the basics of languages I’ve started. Which right now as it stands are really just alphabets with words I’ve decided to add to my WIPs. Which is great, to start. So how does one create they’re own language?

I vaguely recall from the French classes in high school, differences in grammar structure and how verbs work. Although honestly, sometimes English is still a struggle and it’s my native tongue. But grammar rules are essential to any language. In English especially the placement of commas and apostrophes. But what’s the difference? How do I take and apply or change those rules to a language that really only exists in my mind?

But the biggest question I had was, do I really need to create a whole language or can I just make words based on what I have?

The conclusion, I came to is it really depends on the purpose of the language and how it’s used. If it’s just to create magic, like in Harry Potter, probably okay with the alphabet. But if it’s an integral part of a culture or basis for backstory probably want to go a little deeper and think about grammar.

What are some of your favorite fantasy/sci-fi languages? Any you dislike?