The Art of Language Invention

The Art of Language Invention From Horse-Lords to Dark Elves to Sand Worms, the Words Behind World-Building

An insider’s tour through the construction of invented languages from the bestselling author and creator of languages for the HBO series Game of Thrones and the Syfy series Defiance From master language creator David J. Peterson comes a creative guide to language construction for sci-fi and fantasy fans, writers, game creators, and language lovers. Peterson offers a captivating overview of language creation, covering its history from Tolkien’s creations and Klingon to today’s thriving global community of conlangers. He provides the essential tools necessary for inventing and evolving new languages, using examples from a variety of languages including his own creations, punctuated with references to everything from Star Wars to Michael Jackson. Along the way, behind-the-scenes stories lift the curtain on how he built languages like Dothraki for HBO’s Game of Thrones and Shiväisith for Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World, and an included phrasebook will start fans speaking Peterson’s constructed languages. The Art of Language Invention is an inside look at a fascinating culture and an engaging entry into a flourishing art form—and it might be the most fun you’ll ever have with linguistics.
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Reviews

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Wynter@wynter
5 stars
May 4, 2023

The Art of Language Invention is incredibly readable, yet not so casual book. Unless you are interested in conlanging, and would like to have a real hands-on guide into construction, evolution, and utilization of created languages, I would advise to stay away. I can see a casual Game of Thrones fan buying this book, because of the author's involvement in the tv series, and then having a major wtf moment half way through. It would be so unfair to David J. Peterson. He is highly entertaining and clear with his explanations, and has more than a thing or two to teach to those who are willing to learn. I went into the book with passion for linguistics, and found great insight into structures of existing languages as well, which David uses freely for inspiration. I will be coming back with a notebook and a pen for some serious study later on. To those who are excited to jump right in, I would really recommend to read along with an audiobook. Language is dead unless it is spoken, and it is worth hearing the author bring all those words to life. And... if you have a very hard time reading International Phonetic Alphabet, like me, the audiobook will make your life much easier.

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Marie@adastra
4 stars
Jan 2, 2024
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Jenn Doan @jennnn
4 stars
Dec 26, 2023
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Lindsy Rice@lindsyrice
3 stars
Jan 12, 2024
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Kemie G@kemie
3 stars
Jan 2, 2024
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Alina Shiotsu@yujatart
4 stars
Nov 9, 2021
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LM@traeumenvonbuechern
5 stars
Oct 9, 2021
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Rachel Prudden@stubborncurias
4 stars
Sep 14, 2021