Creating a well-constructed conlang for a fictional world enhances world-building and character authenticity.
Conlangs bring depth to cultures and characters, revealing history, values, and relationships in unique ways.
Deep dives
The Value of Conlangs in Fiction
Creating a conlang for a fictional world adds depth to the world-building and enhances the cultural aspects of the story. A well-constructed conlang can reveal information about how the characters think and their historical background. It also makes the characters and their dialogue feel more authentic. Using gibberish or sound effect languages as alternatives to conlangs is not effective, as they lack meaning and can easily be identified as made-up. Real-world languages may not work well either, as the audience's familiarity with them can break the immersion. However, using a real-world language connected to a specific ethnic group in the story can be appropriate. Overall, conlangs have artistic value, offering depth, consistency, and engagement for both the audience and the creators.
Enhancing Storytelling and World-building
A conlang provides tools to signal to the reader or viewer and enrich the storytelling experience. It can be used to generate names for characters that reflect their cultural background. Different but related conlangs can indicate distinct but interrelated cultures. Furthermore, conlangs can present untranslated words to create a unique atmosphere and immerse the audience in the fictional world. Engaging with a conlang can also foster a dedicated fan base and create additional side products, like translated works and fan organizations. Beyond being a fan engagement tool, conlangs bring depth to cultures and characters, revealing history, values, and relationships in ways that other world-building decisions cannot.
Creating and Hiring Conlangers
To have a conlang, one can choose to create it themselves or hire a conlanger. Creating a conlang can be rewarding, but it requires time and a steep learning curve. Resources and communities are available to assist in the creation process. Hiring a conlanger can be a viable option for those who want to focus on other aspects of their work. The Language Creation Society's jobs board is a valuable resource for finding conlangers, and fair compensation is crucial. Conlanging is an art form that demands time and skill, and adequate payment attracts more experienced candidates who are more likely to deliver a satisfactory product. The flexibility of deadlines can be considered, especially for authors, as novels allow more time for conlang development. Ultimately, using a conlang adds value to any fictional culture and storytelling endeavor, providing a valuable tool for world-building and engaging the audience.
George wants to talk to writers, filmmakers, and creatives about how conlangs can benefit worldbuilding, and how you can go about getting one made. Links: Language Creation Society Resources Page LCS Jobs Board Original Script In this episode, I want to talk to authors, directors, and other creatives who are creating fictional worlds and cultures... Read more »
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