The evolution of conlangs from idealistic to naturalistic over time.
The significance of conlang names in creating atmosphere and immersion in literature.
The challenge of balancing exposition and relevance when incorporating conlangs into literature.
Deep dives
The Influence of Linguistics in Writing
The podcast episode discusses the impact of linguistics on writing, specifically focusing on conlanging (constructing languages). The guest, J.S. Banks, shares their journey into conlanging, starting in sixth grade when introduced to it by a classmate. Banks explains how their initial conlang, Yivrian, has evolved from an idealistic language to a more naturalistic one over time. They also discuss the challenges and benefits of creating conlangs for literature, including the use of conlang words in the story and translating cultural concepts into English.
Choosing Language Names and Translations
The podcast delves into the significance of choosing language names and translations in literature. It highlights the use of conlang names to create a foreign atmosphere and differentiate from English-speaking cultures. The guest mentions the importance of selecting words with connotations that align with the intended message or atmosphere for characters or settings. An example is the use of the conlang word 'Anna' to describe a specific family unit in the story, as no English word captured the exact meaning. The discussion emphasizes the role of conlang words in influencing readers' perceptions and immersion in the story.
Balancing Exposition and Relevance in Writing
The podcast addresses the challenge of balancing exposition and relevance when incorporating conlangs into literature. The guest discusses the temptation to provide excessive linguistic details, which could overwhelm readers and disrupt the flow of the story. They highlight the importance of only including relevant linguistic information, such as occasional untranslated conlang sentences to enhance authenticity but maintain readability. The importance of appealing to a wider audience, while still providing extra linguistic information for interested readers through websites or appendices, is also emphasized.
Creating a Unique Cultural Stew
The podcast episode discusses the challenges involved in creating a fictional culture that is inspired by multiple real-world cultures. The speaker shares their experience in crafting a fantasy world that combines elements of Greco-Roman, Hindu, Native American, and Tolkienian influences. They emphasize the importance of striking a balance between drawing inspiration from different cultures while also ensuring that the story remains engaging and authentic on its own terms.
Navigating Language and World Building
The discussion also delves into the complexity of incorporating conlangs (constructed languages) into fictional world-building. The speaker reflects on the relationship between language and novels, acknowledging that while some conlang writers prioritize language creation, they personally find the culture and story more intriguing. They touch on the challenge of creating conlangs that are accessible to readers and discuss the issue of cultural appropriation when drawing inspiration from real-world languages. The speaker also shares their approach to balancing conlang usage in their novels to ensure that the story remains engaging and comprehensible to readers.
Today we have a long talk with author and conlanger JS Bangs about conlanging, worldbuilding, and writing. Top of the Show Greeting: Praseo Links and Resources: JS Bangs’s conlang site JSBangs.com
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