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

An insiders tour through the construction of invented languages. 

The inventor of languages for HBO's Game of Thrones explores language creation in sci-fi, fantasy and gaming. A must-read for language lovers!

From master language creator David J. Peterson comes a creative guide to language construction. Peterson begins with a brief history of constructed languages, from Tolkien's creations to Klingon to the thriving global community of language construction. Then, using examples from a variety of languages including his own creations, Peterson offers a captivating and lucid overview, providing a basic foundation of essential linguistic tools for inventing and evolving one's own lexicon.

Along the way, behind-the-scenes stories lift the curtain on how he built languages for television series and movies 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.

An inside look at a fascinating culture and a perfect entry point into an art form as old as civilisation, THE ART OF LANGUAGE INVENTION is a wild linguistic adventure that will have readers ready to rub shoulders with horse lords and dark elves.

Product Specifications

Author: David J. Peterson

Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group

Language: English

ISBN: 9780143126461

Format: Paperback

Length: 363 pages

Size: 2.54cm x 13.72cm x 21.08cm

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