[Leisha]

Originally Posted by Teresa Edgerton

Not at all, L'Aile -- if you hadn't asked I wouldn't have known you were interested in languages or been able to direct you to this thread. Now that we all know you have a BA in linguistics, it's likely that those of us who have been reckless enough to try the invented language thing without the necessary background will be asking you questions from time to time. Prepare yourself to become a Valuable Resource to the linguistically disadvantaged.

My next challenge will probably be invented an alphabet to go with my language. I've referenced it in the book, and probably sooner or later someone will ask to see it.

I'd love to hear what anyone who has gone to the lengths of inventing an alphabet regards as the challenges, the pitfalls, and (if any) the best resources.

Thought I'd dredge this thread up from the deep, so I can share my thoughts!


Well, for me the hardest part of inventing both my languages was being able to take my set of grammatical rules, then write several long paragraphs that logically and consistently followed them. English is very much a verbose language, whereas in other parts of the world one word can convey a complex idea. Hence the length of English sentences:

Example in English: I will be walking to the market.
Translation into one of my languages: nílisodél ín gelopa

You ask about the lengths people have gone to -- well, I've studied the fundamentals of three languages, seeing how they're put together and what they're comprised of (so no end of sentence prepositions for me!). This research has been time-consuming yet necessary. Another aspect I found difficult though: tenses -- past perfect, perfect, simple past, simple future, present... the list goes on! Then there are participles, adverbs, and adjectives, which all require separate endings, depending on context...

I still think the work has benefited me, though; I've made use of my constructed language throughout my novel, dropping little bits and pieces of info that I hope are worth mentioning -- such as sám simel, which mean fisherman/fisherwoman. That being said, sometimes if the sentence I've written looks too complex, I'll add a small footnote at the bottom of the page giving a rough translation. I don't know if this is okay to do, or even if readers would hate this -- but it just seemed appropriate. If or when I get a publisher, I'll know for certain if this is horrendous (they'll probably shout at me or something!). Until that time, however, I'm quite happy to keep adding small segments of my language into my novels.

Do I feel I've wasted my time on a language no one but me will care about? No. I see it as just another part of the background that goes into planning a series. Besides, does an average reader really understand what goes into a book anyhow? Do they *truly* know how much work is involved? The way I see it, most people won't care either way, so if inventing a language makes me happy, then I'll plough on regardless. What I hate most, though, are the people who say "Tolkien rip-off". Can't someone go into this much detail and background without looking like we're copying his ideas? For me, creating the language seemed a logical step as I planned my books.

However, this is moot point. As one earlier poster said, someone qualified will undoubtedly rip the language to bits -- but at least I tried, and in my mind that's all that matters.

And as one who can sit back and know I've done it, I think the process is worth it in the end. Now I can say (to some degree) that I've composed a speakable, workable language (though is language ever "finished"?) and I've loved every moment of it. It doesn't hurt that I've also learnt a few things in the process. However, would I do it all again? No way!


Komameráe al beráe. (In my language that's an informal goodbye!)


I'll leave you with a proverb (in my other language):



P.S. Did you ever design your alphabet, Teresa? Personal opinion: creating a visual representation of all your hard work is very rewarding!