Invented Languages

Catalog description

This course examines constructed languages, which are languages that were invented rather than arising naturally. We will cover the components that characterize a language, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and writing systems. These characteristics vary among languages of the world, so constructing a language involves many decisions about each of these characteristics. Using the tools of linguistic theory, we will analyze examples of constructed languages, both those from fiction (e.g. Klingon, High Valyrian, Sindarin) and those intended for real-world usage (e.g. Esperanto). Students will each construct their own language based on the concepts we discuss.