Reading Fictional Languages

Reading Fictional Languages explores the role of invented languages in world-building, characterisation, and immersion in alternative worlds, featuring contributions from scholars, creators, designers, and speakers of fictional languages.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Reading Fictional Languages is a remarkable book that brings together scholars, creators, designers, and speakers of fictional languages from around the globe to explore the fascinating world of imagined languages in fantasy, science fiction, dystopia, and alternate realities. It delves into the role of invented languages in world-building, characterisation, and the creation of a sense of authentic immersion in the thought processes of aliens, animals, machines, and the inhabitants of alternative worlds.

One of the key themes of the book is the power of language to shape and influence the world around us. Fictional languages are not just tools for communication but also powerful tools for creating and maintaining a sense of identity and culture. They can be used to convey complex ideas, emotions, and beliefs, and to create a sense of mystery and intrigue.

The book explores the various techniques used to create fictional languages, including phonology, grammar, vocabulary, and writing systems. It also looks at the historical and cultural influences that have shaped these languages, and how they have been used in literature and other forms of media.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the way that fictional languages can be used to create a sense of authenticity and immersion in the world of the story. By creating a language that is unique to the world of the story, authors can create a sense of familiarity and comfort for the reader, while also challenging them to think in new ways.

For example, in the fantasy novel "The Lord of the Rings," J.R.R. Tolkien created a language called Elvish that is used by the elves of Middle-earth. The language is rich in symbolism and has a complex grammar system that reflects the elves' unique way of thinking. By using Elvish, Tolkien was able to create a sense of authenticity and immersion in the world of the story, and to make the reader feel as if they were truly experiencing the world of Middle-earth.

Similarly, in the science fiction novel "Dune," Frank Herbert created a language called Duneese that is used by the people of the planet Arrakis. The language is based on Arabic and has a complex grammar system that reflects the people's unique way of thinking. By using Duneese, Herbert was able to create a sense of authenticity and immersion in the world of the story, and to make the reader feel as if they were truly experiencing the world of Arrakis.

However, creating a fictional language can also be a challenging task. It requires a great deal of creativity and skill, and it can be difficult to ensure that the language is consistent and coherent throughout the story. Authors must also be careful to avoid creating a language that is too difficult for the reader to understand, as this can detract from the enjoyment of the story.

In addition to exploring the role of invented languages in world-building and characterisation, Reading Fictional Languages also looks at the cultural and linguistic diversity of the world. It explores the ways in which different languages have influenced each other, and how they have been used to create new languages and cultures.

For example, the book looks at the influence of Latin on the development of many European languages, including Spanish, French, and Italian. It also looks at the influence of Arabic on the development of many Middle Eastern languages, including Persian and Turkish.

Reading Fictional Languages is a fascinating book that will appeal to anyone who loves literature, language, and culture. It provides a unique perspective on the world of imagined languages, and it will inspire readers to explore the world of literature in new and exciting ways.

Reading Fictional Languages is a remarkable book that brings together scholars, creators, designers, and speakers of fictional languages from around the globe to explore the fascinating world of imagined languages in fantasy, science fiction, dystopia, and alternate realities. It delves into the role of invented languages in world-building, characterisation, and the creation of a sense of authentic immersion in the thought processes of aliens, animals, machines, and the inhabitants of alternative worlds.

One of the key themes of the book is the power of language to shape and influence the world around us. Fictional languages are not just tools for communication but also powerful tools for creating and maintaining a sense of identity and culture. They can be used to convey complex ideas, emotions, and beliefs, and to create a sense of mystery and intrigue.

The book explores the various techniques used to create fictional languages, including phonology, grammar, vocabulary, and writing systems. It also looks at the historical and cultural influences that have shaped these languages, and how they have been used in literature and other forms of media.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the way that fictional languages can be used to create a sense of authenticity and immersion in the world of the story. By creating a language that is unique to the world of the story, authors can create a sense of familiarity and comfort for the reader, while also challenging them to think in new ways.

For example, in the fantasy novel "The Lord of the Rings," J.R.R. Tolkien created a language called Elvish that is used by the elves of Middle-earth. The language is rich in symbolism and has a complex grammar system that reflects the elves' unique way of thinking. By using Elvish, Tolkien was able to create a sense of authenticity and immersion in the world of the story, and to make the reader feel as if they were truly experiencing the world of Middle-earth.

Similarly, in the science fiction novel "Dune," Frank Herbert created a language called Duneese that is used by the people of the planet Arrakis. The language is based on Arabic and has a complex grammar system that reflects the people's unique way of thinking. By using Duneese, Herbert was able to create a sense of authenticity and immersion in the world of the story, and to make the reader feel as if they were truly experiencing the world of Arrakis.

However, creating a fictional language can also be a challenging task. It requires a great deal of creativity and skill, and it can be difficult to ensure that the language is consistent and coherent throughout the story. Authors must also be careful to avoid creating a language that is too difficult for the reader to understand, as this can detract from the enjoyment of the story.

In addition to exploring the role of invented languages in world-building and characterisation, Reading Fictional Languages also looks at the cultural and linguistic diversity of the world. It explores the ways in which different languages have influenced each other, and how they have been used to create new languages and cultures.

For example, the book looks at the influence of Latin on the development of many European languages, including Spanish, French, and Italian. It also looks at the influence of Arabic on the development of many Middle Eastern languages, including Persian and Turkish.

Reading Fictional Languages is a fascinating book that will appeal to anyone who loves literature, language, and culture. It provides a unique perspective on the world of imagined languages, and it will inspire readers to explore the world of literature in new and exciting ways.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399529143