How To Make Your Own Language? (KNOW IT NOW)
Make Your Own Language: A Guide to Creating a Unique Mode of Communication
Have you ever tried to pick up a new language, only to find that there are so many rules and exceptions to the rules that it’s impossible to understand what anyone is saying? Wouldn’t it be easier if there were fewer rules, or even none at all? That’s the idea behind creating your own native language, where instead of learning how to speak another language like Spanish or Chinese, you make up your own from scratch. Learn how to make your own native language by following these steps!
Before You Start
In order to create your own language, it is important to first understand the role that language plays in your life. Language is more than just a means of communication; it is also a way of expressing your identity.
With this in mind, consider the following questions as you embark on creating your new language: What am I trying to say? What do I want my people/community/world to look like? How can I show this through my new language? Where do I see myself in 10 years with my new community or world?
As you ponder these questions, remember that creating your own language does not have an end point – its benefits last for generations. Read about this: What are the most unique languages of the world?
When someone speaks your language they are sharing their culture and worldview with you. The idea behind making one’s own language is to allow oneself and others to communicate their thoughts and feelings without being hindered by outside forces. It is about reclaiming the power of language from those who have dominated and controlled it for centuries.
When designing your own language, there are three main considerations: what you want to say, how you want to represent this in words, and how will your writing system work?
Basic Structure
1. The idea of making your own language may seem daunting, but it can be a fun and rewarding experience.
2. There are many reasons why you might want to create your own language, such as for use in a classroom or academic setting, for personal amusement, or to impact youth culture.
3. Whatever your reason for wanting to make a new language, there are some basic steps you can follow to get started.
4. First, you need to decide what kind of language you want to create. Are you looking to create an artificial or human language? Then, you have to decide what kind of human language you want to create?
5. Once you have decided on the type of language you want to create, you need to start developing the basics, such as grammar and vocabulary.
Phonetics
The first step in making your own language is to establish the phonetics, or the way the language will sound. This includes developing a system for the alphabet, as well as determining how words will be pronounced.
While there is no one right way to do this, it is important to consider the mother tongue of the intended audience, as well as any curricular models or theoretical contexts that may be relevant.
Additionally, it may be helpful to look at intersections among youth culture, forthcoming publications, and academic publications when developing the sound of your language. Here are some resources from recent research on languages created by middle school students:
Fissel, K. Pigeon English. Middle Ground Journal (Fall 2013).Johnson-Speight, K., M. Scroggins, & S. Bruckheimer. Voices From the Margins.Michigan State University‘s Forum on Bilingualism & International Languages Program (Summer 2010).Li, Y. Cultural Translanguaging Practices. English Journal (April 2014).O’Dowd-Regan, C., G. Hamelink & J.
Grammar
One way to make your own language is to participate in a mentoring program where you can help teach non-native speakers how to communicate in their new language.
You can also join a First-Year Writing Program where you’ll be able to learn about different language practices and use them in your own writing. Additionally, there are many resources available online, such as Google Translate, that can help you create an artificial language.
Finally, if you’re bilingual, you can use your knowledge of two languages to create a new one. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a unique mode of communication! One of the most important parts of making a language is making sure the words sound right.
When making up a word for something, try thinking about what sounds similar to it in another language and base it off that sound or just pick letters at random if you don’t have any ideas. Then try saying it out loud with as many accents or intonations possible until you find the right tone for it.
Final Steps
Assuming you already have the basic grammatical structure down, there are just a few final steps to creating your own language. Now is the time to add in all the special words and phrases that make your language unique. Once you have a complete lexicon, it’s time to start writing in your new language!
Bilingual children have an advantage when it comes to learning new languages, so consider adding yours to the list of languages they can learn. You may even want to publish your work; Edinburgh University Press is always looking for new and interesting languages to add to its catalog. Who knows, maybe one-day people will be learning your native language in school!
If you’re interested in becoming fluent in your language, now’s a good time to start studying. Of course, if someone else is fluent, ask them if they’d be willing to help you out with lessons!
It also never hurts to grab some materials from books or online resources – Google Translate often does a surprisingly good job of converting between languages. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not invite others with similar interests and knowledge about conlanging (the study of constructed languages) to meet up with you?
Conlangs (constructed languages) meet-ups are incredibly common on Meetup – who knows, maybe someday soon there will be one near you.
Evolution of Conlanging
Conlanging has a long history, dating back to the 12th century, when thinkers like Ramon Llull experimented with artificial languages. Since then, conlangs have evolved significantly, with new forms emerging in the 21st century alongside advancements in linguistic theory and technology.
Artistic languages, such as Toki Pona, prioritize simplicity and expressiveness over complexity. Toki Pona, created by Sonja Lang in the early 21st century, consists of only 120 words but can convey a wide range of concepts and emotions. This minimalist approach to language construction challenges traditional notions of grammar and syntax.
Prominent conlangers like Marc Okrand and David J. Peterson have contributed extensively to the field, creating languages like Klingon and Dothraki that are widely used in popular culture. Their work demonstrates the potential of conlangs to enrich fictional worlds and foster community engagement.
Evolution of Conlanging
Conlanging has a long history, dating back to the 12th century, when thinkers like Ramon Llull experimented with artificial languages. Since then, conlangs have evolved significantly, with new forms emerging in the 21st century alongside advancements in linguistic theory and technology.
Artistic languages, such as Toki Pona, prioritize simplicity and expressiveness over complexity. Toki Pona, created by Sonja Lang in the early 21st century, consists of only 120 words but can convey a wide range of concepts and emotions. This minimalist approach to language construction challenges traditional notions of grammar and syntax.
Prominent conlangers like Marc Okrand and David J. Peterson have contributed extensively to the field, creating languages like Klingon and Dothraki that are widely used in popular culture. Their work demonstrates the potential of conlangs to enrich fictional worlds and foster community engagement.
Exploring Conlanging: Inspiration, Goals, and Examples
David J. Peterson, renowned for creating languages such as Dothraki and Valyrian for the television series Game of Thrones, exemplifies the modern conlanger’s approach. His work highlights how a constructed language, or conlang, can develop detailed grammar rules and an extensive lexicon, allowing it to function as a complete language. Peterson’s creations demonstrate that a well-constructed language can be as rich and expressive as any natural language.
When designing your own language, drawing inspiration from the English language can be beneficial, especially for English speakers. Understanding the intricacies of English grammar and vocabulary provides a solid foundation for developing your new language’s grammar rules and structure. Consider how English handles tense, aspect, mood, and other grammatical features to guide your creative process.
Creating an auxiliary language, such as Esperanto developed by L. L. Zamenhof in the 19th century, can be a modest goal for conlangers. An auxiliary language aims to facilitate communication between speakers of different native languages. These languages often have simplified grammar and phonetics, making them easier to learn and use widely.
Conlang Community
The philosophy of conlanging encompasses more than just the creation of a language; it’s a source of creativity similar to art. Just as artists express themselves through painting or music, conlangers like Marc Okrand, creator of the Klingon language, use language construction as an outlet for creativity. This creative process often mirrors the development of programming languages, where syntax and rules define how instructions are interpreted and executed.
The community for conlangers has grown significantly with the rise of online communities and resources. Websites like the Conlang Page and forums dedicated to conlanging provide tools, support, and a platform for sharing creations. These communities foster collaboration and inspiration, helping conlangers refine their languages and share them with a broader audience.
Historical context is also important in conlanging. The earliest non-natural languages, dating back to the 12th and 17th centuries, show that humans have long been interested in creating new modes of communication. These early conlangs often aimed to model the grammar and structure of existing languages or to experiment with new linguistic ideas.
Conlang Impact & Evolution
Valyrian languages, popularized by the television series Game of Thrones, showcase the potential of constructed languages to enrich fictional worlds and engage audiences.
The 12th century saw the emergence of the earliest non-natural languages, laying the groundwork for centuries of language creation and experimentation.
Spoken language and complete language are essential considerations for conlangers, who must design their languages to be spoken and written in different contexts and environments.
Innovative Approaches in Conlang Creation
Auxiliary languages, like Esperanto and Volapük developed by L. L. Zamenhof in the 19th century, aim to facilitate international communication. These languages are designed to be easy to learn and use, with simplified grammar and vocabulary. While they have not achieved widespread adoption, they continue to inspire new generations of language creators.
Musical languages, such as Solresol, created by François Sudre in the 19th century, use musical notes or tones as the basis for communication. This innovative approach blurs the lines between language and music, tapping into the universal language of sound.
Conlangs often draw inspiration from real languages, both indigenous and historical. For example, Goídelc, an ancient form of the Irish language, serves as a source of phonetic and grammatical elements for new conlangs. By incorporating features from natural language precedents, conlangers can create languages that feel authentic and immersive.
Resources for Conlangers
The Conlang Atlas is a comprehensive database of conlangs, cataloging their features and development over time. This resource provides invaluable insights for conlangers looking to study different forms of language creation and explore new linguistic possibilities.
The Conlang Triangle, proposed by Raymond Brown, categorizes conlangs based on their intended use and features. This framework helps conlangers understand the diverse range of languages being created and the motivations behind their development.
Conlanging tools, such as lexicon generators and grammar parsers, facilitate the creation and analysis of conlangs. These tools automate repetitive tasks and provide valuable feedback to conlangers, helping them refine their languages and achieve their linguistic goals.
Conlang History & Resources
The 17th century saw the emergence of several conlangs, as thinkers and scholars began to explore the possibilities of artificial languages. These early conlangs laid the groundwork for future developments in language creation and inspired generations of language creators.
Descriptive grammar and the grammar of French serve as valuable resources for conlangers as they develop their languages. By studying the grammatical structures and patterns of natural languages, conlangers can create more coherent and expressive constructed languages.
The Conlang Atlas and databases of conlangs provide invaluable resources for conlangers looking to study different forms of language creation and explore new linguistic possibilities.
Conlanging Pioneers
Prominent users like Marc Okrand and David J. Peterson have significantly contributed to the advancement of conlanging. Through their work, they have popularized constructed languages and inspired countless language creators worldwide.
Their expertise and insights have not only enriched the field of conlanging but have also helped to establish a sense of legitimacy and recognition for constructed languages within linguistic circles.
Conlanging is a collaborative endeavor that relies heavily on the creativity and ingenuity of human users. By harnessing the power of language construction, conlangers are able to create unique and expressive forms of communication that push the boundaries of linguistic creativity.
Conlang Goals & Creativity
Despite the complexity of language creation, many conlangers start with modest goals. Whether it’s creating a language for personal use or for a specific project, having modest goals allows conlangers to focus their efforts and make steady progress.
However, some conlangers set their sights on major goals, such as creating a fully functional and complete language. This ambitious pursuit drives innovation and experimentation in language construction and often results in the development of highly sophisticated linguistic systems.
Creativity in art is a fundamental aspect of conlanging. Like other forms of artistic expression, conlanging allows individuals to explore new modes of communication and express their unique perspectives on the world through language.
Conlang Community & Tools
The community for conlangers is a vibrant and supportive network where language enthusiasts can come together to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and offer encouragement and feedback to one another.
Online communities dedicated to conlanging provide conlangers with a platform to connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. These communities offer forums, chat rooms, and social media groups where conlangers can discuss their work, seek advice, and share resources.
Conlanging tools, ranging from lexicon generators to grammar parsers, streamline the language creation process and empower conlangers to bring their linguistic visions to life.
Conlang Philosophy & Goals
The philosophy of conlanging explores the deeper meanings and motivations behind language creation, examining how constructed languages can reflect and shape human thought, culture, and identity.
While some conlangers start with modest goals, such as creating a language for personal use or for a specific project, others set their sights on major goals, aiming to develop fully functional and complete languages that rival natural languages in complexity and depth.
Human users are at the heart of conlanging, driving innovation and creativity in language construction. Their unique perspectives and experiences inform the design and development of constructed languages, making each conlang a reflection of its creator’s imagination and ingenuity.
Conlangs in Literature & Resources
One fascinating aspect of conlanging is the creation of posteriori auxiliary languages, which are based on existing languages. For instance, Goídelc, an ancient form of the Irish language, can inspire new conlangs that draw on its phonetics and grammar. By blending elements from natural language precedents, conlangers can create languages that feel both familiar and novel.
Conlangs can also find a place in literature and media. The Journal of Language Contact often explores the role of constructed languages in literature, examining how they add depth and realism to fictional worlds. Languages like Tolkien’s Elvish or the Klingon language have become integral to their respective universes, showing how language creation can enhance storytelling.
A comprehensive database of conlangs, such as the Conlang Atlas, helps track the development and features of various constructed languages. This resource is invaluable for conlangers looking to study different approaches and methodologies. The Conlang Triangle by Raymond Brown further categorizes conlangs based on their intended use, such as artistic, auxiliary, or philosophical languages.
Community and Philosophy of Conlanging
The philosophy of conlanging celebrates creativity and innovation in language construction. Like other forms of artistic expression, conlanging allows individuals to explore new modes of communication and express their unique perspectives on the world.
Online communities, such as the Conlang Page and forums dedicated to conlanging, provide a supportive environment for language creators to share ideas and collaborate on projects. These communities foster a sense of camaraderie and encourage experimentation and growth within the conlanging community.
Conlanging is not just about creating languages; it’s about exploring the fundamental principles of language and communication. By studying the mechanisms of grammar suggested by centuries of linguistic study, conlangers gain a deeper understanding of language structure and function.
Conlang Projects & Grammar Modeling
The rise of projects that incorporate conlangs, such as fan film projects or immersive virtual worlds, highlights the increasing popularity and utility of constructed languages. These projects often attract prominent users who bring their linguistic creations to life, enriching the fictional universes they inhabit.
Modeling grammar for a conlang involves understanding the mechanisms of grammar suggested by centuries of linguistic study. By examining the grammar of French or other languages with well-documented descriptive grammar, conlangers can develop robust and coherent grammatical systems for their languages. This modeling process ensures that the conlang can be used effectively for communication.
Finally, the pursuit of creating a perfect language or an ideal language is a major goal for many conlangers. While no language can be universally perfect, the quest for an ideal language drives innovation and experimentation in language creation. Whether aiming for a fictional language, a musical language, or a philosophical language, the journey of conlanging continues to evolve, shaped by the creativity and dedication of its practitioners.
Conlang Philosophy & Community
The philosophy of conlanging delves into the underlying principles and motivations behind language creation. It explores concepts such as linguistic relativity, language universals, and the role of language in shaping human thought and culture.
Online communities play a crucial role in the conlanging community, providing a platform for language creators to connect, collaborate, and share their work. Websites like the Conlang PageCreate and forums dedicated to conlanging foster a sense of community and camaraderie among language enthusiasts.
J. Peterson, known for his work on languages like Dothraki and Valyrian, has made significant contributions to the field of conlanging in the 21st century. His expertise in linguistics and language construction has helped to elevate the standards of constructed languages in popular culture.
Language Inspiration & Development
Natural language precedents, such as indigenous languages and selected languages, serve as sources of inspiration for conlangers. By drawing on the phonetic and grammatical elements of existing languages, conlangers can create languages that feel authentic and immersive.
Spoken language and language code play essential roles in the development of constructed languages. Conlangers must consider how their languages will be spoken and written, as well as how they will be used in different contexts and environments.
Auxiliary languages and fictional languages are popular forms of conlanging, designed to facilitate communication or enhance storytelling in fictional worlds.
Language Development & Pioneers
Programming languages provide useful tools and frameworks for conlangers to model grammar and structure in their constructed languages.
The 12th century saw the earliest non-natural languages emerge, paving the way for centuries of language creation and experimentation.
L. L. Zamenhof, creator of Esperanto, made significant contributions to the development of auxiliary languages in the 19th century. His work laid the foundation for future advancements in language construction and international communication.
Conlang Resources & Inspiration
The Conlang Atlas provides conlangers with a comprehensive database of conlangs, cataloging their features and development over time.
Natural language precedents, such as the Irish language, serve as sources of inspiration for conlangers, providing them with phonetic and grammatical elements to incorporate into their constructed languages.
L. L. Zamenhof, the creator of Esperanto, played a pivotal role in the development of auxiliary languages in the 19th century, laying the foundation for future advancements in language construction and international communication.
Conlang Influences & Growth
Prominent users like Marc Okrand and David J. Peterson have made significant contributions to the field of conlanging, elevating the standards of constructed languages and inspiring new generations of language creators.
Conlanging serves as a rich source of creativity, allowing individuals to express themselves in new and imaginative ways through language construction.
The 20th century witnessed a surge in interest in conlanging, as advancements in linguistics and technology made it easier for language enthusiasts to create and share their constructed languages with others.
What is your own language?
Your own language is a mode of communication that is unique to you and that can be used to express yourself in ways that other languages cannot. It can be based on anything that you find meaningful, from the sounds of words to the way they are written.
You can even create your own alphabet or symbols to represent your language. Making your own language is a great way to communicate with others in a way that is personal and intimate.
If someone learns how to speak it, they will have an inside look into your thoughts and feelings. Keep in mind though that this is only for people who want to share their deep thoughts and ideas with others because once a language has been created it can never be unlearned!
The first step in making your own language is deciding what you want it to sound like. There are many different ways this could be accomplished such as by creating words out of random syllables or by taking an existing spoken word and altering its sound slightly.
Grammar Resources & Tools
Descriptive grammar and the grammar of French provide conlangers with valuable insights into the grammatical structures and patterns of natural languages, helping them create more coherent and expressive constructed languages.
Modelling grammar based on the mechanisms of grammar suggested by centuries of linguistic study enables conlangers to develop robust and coherent grammatical systems for their languages.
The Conlang PageCreate and databases of conlangs offer conlangers a wealth of resources and information to study different forms of language creation and explore new linguistic possibilities.
The Quest for Linguistic Perfection
Accompanying grammar resources, such as descriptive grammars and language manuals, provide guidance and structure for conlangers as they develop their languages. These resources help conlangers navigate the complexities of grammar and syntax, ensuring that their languages are both coherent and expressive.
The pursuit of creating a perfect language is a major goal for many conlangers, driving innovation and experimentation in language construction. While no language can be universally perfect, the quest for an ideal language inspires conlangers to push the boundaries of linguistic creativity.
Conlanging is a collaborative endeavor, with prominent users like Marc Okrand and David J. Peterson sharing their expertise and insights with the broader community. Their contributions enrich the field of conlanging and inspire new generations of language creators.
Conlanging is a testament to the power of human creativity and ingenuity. By harnessing the tools of language construction, conlangers create new worlds of expression and communication, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of language.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make my own language?
Of course you can! Anybody can make their own language, so long as they put in the time and effort required. It may seem daunting at first, but with a little creativity and perseverance, you can develop a fully-fledged mode of communication that is all your own. Here are some tips to get you started
What is the purpose of having your own language?
There are many reasons why you might want to create your own language. Maybe you want to communicate with others in a secret code, or you’re interested in creating a new form of communication altogether. Perhaps you’re just curious about how languages work and want to build one from scratch. Whatever your reason, making your own language can be a fun and rewarding experience.
How can I practice my own language?
If you’re interested in creating your own language, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, research on your native speakers and then reseach on how other languages are constructed. This will give you a good foundation for creating your own rules and grammar. Next, start developing vocabulary by creating words that represent concepts you want to communicate. Once you have a good base of words, start putting them together into sentences and practicing speaking them aloud. You can also start writing in your new language to further practice its usage. Finally, find others who are interested in learning your language and teach it to them. This will help you solidify the rules and usage of your new mode of communication.
What are some notable examples of constructed languages in popular culture?
Constructed languages like Klingon and Dothraki, created by prominent users such as Marc Okrand and David J. Peterson, have gained recognition through their use in television series like Star Trek and Game of Thrones, respectively. These languages showcase the potential of conlanging to enrich fictional worlds and engage audiences.
How can conlangers access resources and support for language creation?
Conlangers can tap into online communities like the Conlang PageCreate and forums dedicated to conlanging, where they can connect with fellow language enthusiasts, share ideas, and access valuable resources and tools for language creation. Additionally, resources like the Conlang Atlas and databases of conlangs provide comprehensive databases cataloging features and development over time, offering conlangers insights and inspiration for their projects.
