Constructed Languages

The development of Constructed Languages
By Jade Dawson-McMillan
 
Constructed Languages (also know as invented or artificial languages) which has been lovingly abbreviated by users as 'Conlang' is a way of communicating in a human or human-like manor and can be created for linguistic experimentation.

The earliest findings of a highly popular Constructed Language can be noted by the auxiliary language of 'Solestrol' which was created in 1827 by Francois Sudre; the method of communication here was based on pitch levels which then lead to this language being referred as 'Musical Language'.

In Fiction writers enjoy creating their own languages; for example J.R.R Tolkien created several fantasy languages in 'The Lord of the Rings' and also 'The Hobbit' where the constructed language 'Quenya' spoken by the Elves in middle earth. 'Quenya' was mentioned in an article as a low level entry in the top ten invented languages "http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-invented-languages.php". Tolkien also had a say about invented in his lecture 'A Secret Vice' which was presented in 1931 at a conference. Tolkien admitted that, "I am a believer in 'artificial' language" and that these languages would be needed in "uniting Europe".

Other Fiction titles that use constructed languages include: "A Clockwork Orange" by Antony Burgess where the constructed language is called 'Nadsat' which is a form of Anglo-Russian Slang; another title is 1984 by George Orwell which features the constructed language of 'Newspeak'.

It is not just Fiction that uses Constructed Languages but also in television and in Films. From my findings these films mostly appear to be science fiction or fantasy based series for example, 'Stargate SG1' with the language known as 'Goa'uld' and also 'Star Trek' with the very famous languages of 'Kilngon' and 'Vulcan'. However, in these examples based on 'Star Trek' are also the main name of the race of people from which made up planet they come from.

Overall, I found it difficult to see why people preferred to communicate with people in 'made-up' languages as it feels quite nerdy and un-cool, but that could be the reason they learn languages from Television series, based on how others view them and how it seems to be pushing people who learns whole Constructed Languages to the far corners of society.