Making Up Fictional Languages

A Guide to Creating Realistic Fictional Languages

Creating fictional languages can be one of the most exhilarating and rewarding aspects of world-building in fiction. Whether you’re writing a high-fantasy epic, a futuristic sci-fi adventure, or a historical novel with a twist, a well-crafted language can bring your world to life in ways that mere description cannot. In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of creating a fictional language from scratch, providing you with practical tips and resources to make your linguistic creation a reality.

What Makes Fictional Languages Believable?

When creating a fictional language, the first challenge is ensuring it feels authentic and functional. A believable language should not only serve your narrative but also reflect the culture and environment of the characters who speak it. To achieve this, consider the following elements:

Phonetics and Phonology: What sounds does your language use? Does it have harsh, guttural sounds like Klingon or soft, flowing sounds like Elvish? The phonetic choices you make will affect how the language feels to your readers and how it fits within the context of your world.

Grammar and Syntax: How is the language structured? Does it follow a Subject-Object-Verb order like Japanese or a Subject-Verb-Object order like English? Grammar rules are crucial for consistency and will influence how sentences are formed and understood.

Vocabulary: What words does your language use, and how are they constructed? Creating a rich vocabulary helps establish depth and authenticity. Consider how new words are coined and how they reflect the culture of the speakers.

Cultural Context: How does the language reflect the culture and worldview of its speakers? Language is deeply tied to culture, so think about how societal norms and values might shape linguistic expressions and idioms.

How Do I Start Creating a Fictional Language?

Define the Purpose: Why is this language needed in your story? Are you creating it for an entire civilization, a specific group, or just a few phrases? Understanding the purpose will guide the complexity and scope of your language.

Develop the Sounds: Start by creating a set of phonetic rules. Decide which sounds (phonemes) are present in your language. You can use resources like the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to help you categorize sounds. For inspiration, you might look into how real-world languages utilize different sounds and structures.

Create Basic Grammar Rules: Outline the fundamental grammar rules of your language. This includes sentence structure, verb conjugations, and noun cases. Think about how your language handles tense, aspect, mood, and other grammatical categories.

Build Your Vocabulary: Start with essential words and phrases. Focus on core vocabulary that will be frequently used in your story. As you expand, consider how words are derived and how they interact with each other.

Write and Test: Use your language in dialogue and descriptive passages. This will help you test its functionality and make adjustments. Engage with beta readers or language enthusiasts to get feedback on the language’s usability and authenticity.

Tools and Resources for Creating Fictional Languages

Creating fictional languages involves a lot of intricate work, but several tools and resources can help streamline the process:

1. Online Language Generators: Websites like Language Creation Society provide resources and communities for constructed languages. They offer tools for generating phonetic elements and grammatical rules.

2. Language Creation Software: Programs like PolyGlot and LangMaker can help you organize and develop your language. They provide templates for phonetic inventories, grammatical rules, and vocabulary.

3. Books on Language Creation: For a deep dive into language creation, consider reading books like The Art of Language Invention by David J. Peterson, a renowned conlanger who created languages for TV shows like Game of Thrones. Peterson’s book offers practical advice and insights into the process.

4. Linguistic Resources: Websites like Wiktionary and The World Atlas of Language Structures provide valuable information on real-world languages that can inspire and inform your own creation of fictional languages.

How Can I Incorporate My Language into My Story Effectively?

Show, Don’t Just Tell: Incorporate your language naturally into dialogue and narrative. Avoid overwhelming readers with too much untranslated text. Use context and translation sparingly to provide a sense of authenticity without alienating your audience.

Use Cultural References: Reflect the culture of your language through its idioms, proverbs, and expressions. This adds depth and richness to your world and makes the language feel like an integral part of your story.

Include Language Learning Elements: If appropriate, include scenes where characters learn or interact with the language. This can provide readers with insights into its structure and usage while advancing the plot.

Consistency is Key: Maintain consistency in how the language is used throughout your story. Ensure that grammatical rules and vocabulary are applied uniformly to avoid confusion.

What Are Common Pitfalls to Avoid?

Overcomplicating the Language: While complexity can add depth, overly complex languages can be difficult for readers to follow. Balance complexity with readability to keep your language engaging.

Neglecting Practicality: Ensure your language serves a purpose in your story. Avoid creating a language just for the sake of it. It should enhance your world-building and narrative rather than detract from it.

Ignoring Cultural Implications: Don’t overlook how the language reflects cultural aspects. A language without cultural context can feel superficial and unconvincing.

Embrace the Challenge

Creating fictional languages is both an art and a science. It requires creativity, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of how language influences culture and identity. By following these guidelines and using the resources available, you can craft a language that not only enriches your story but also captivates your readers. Remember, the goal is to create a language that feels as real and vibrant as the world it inhabits. For other tips on world creation, check out 10 World Building Tips!

If you’re ready to take on the challenge, dive into the process with enthusiasm and an open mind. Your fictional language could become one of the most memorable aspects of your story, inviting readers to explore new worlds through the power of words.

Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.