In the last years, constructed languages have experienced a rise in popularity. Star Trek, The Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones feature constructed languages that have since been celebrated, examined, and learned by fans. However, the field of constructed languages is much larger than these so-called artistic languages. Definitions are blurry, and the terminology is inconsistent. This term paper aims at defining constructed languages and providing a basic overview for those who are new to the concept. The comprehensive definition will be a result of examining the terminology and history of language construction.
Humans have been concerned with language for centuries. With this, language has not only fulfilled its purpose as a communicative medium, but it has left an impression on generations and nations. According to the Bible, the earth used to be of one people and one language until the people became boastful and began building a tower to reach heaven. When God saw their arrogance, he decided to confuse their languages so that they were unable to proceed with their project and instead scattered all over the earth
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Literature
3. Perspectives on Constructed Languages
3.1. Purposes of Constructed Languages
3.1.1. Artistic Languages
3.1.2. Auxiliary Languages
3.1.3. Engineered Languages
3.1.4. Classification Models
3.2. Structure
3.2.1. Source Material
3.2.2. Structure Compared to Natural Languages
3.3. Historical Developments
3.4. Approaches to Constructed Languages
3.4.1. Linguistics
3.4.2. Literature and Literary Studies
3.4.3. Teaching
3.4.4. Culture Studies
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to develop a comprehensive definition of the concept of constructed languages by investigating their history, purposes, underlying structures, and academic approaches. The core research focus lies in identifying the "golden thread" of intentionality and problem-solving that distinguishes these invented systems from natural language development.
- The role of metalinguistic awareness as a foundation for language construction.
- Categorization of languages into artistic, auxiliary, and engineered purposes.
- Structural analysis comparing a priori and a posteriori language origins.
- Historical evolution of constructed languages from religious origins to modern hypothesis testing.
- Interdisciplinary applications in linguistics, literary studies, and education.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1. Artistic Languages
Artistic languages are a subcategory of constructed languages that has only recently experienced an upswing in popularity and relevance. The term is commonly shortened to ‘artlang’. The purpose of these languages is, as the name states, artistic. This includes language creation for aesthetic, fictional or even personal reasons (Peterson, 2015, p. 21). While there are several other types of artistic languages, such as alternative and personal languages, the two most important categories are fictional and experimental languages. However, experimental languages broadly overlap with engineered languages, which is why they will be discussed further in 3.1.3. Engineered Languages. Hence, the focus of this section lies on the major subcategory of fictional languages. This does not impede the understanding of artistic languages because fictional languages are, in fact, the kind of constructed language that has been on the rise since 1937 and have experienced a new high in recent years. Fictional languages usually do not stand alone; instead, they are part of fictional worlds or fictional contexts (Peterson, 2015, p. 19). Some of the most famous examples in this category are the languages by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, who wrote The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and other works taking place in his fictional world of Middle-Earth.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides an etymological and conceptual foundation for the term "constructed language," emphasizing the human capacity for metalinguistic awareness.
2. Literature: Reviews academic discourse on metalinguistic awareness and highlights the terminological ambiguity surrounding constructed languages in existing research.
3. Perspectives on Constructed Languages: Examines the concept through the lenses of purpose, structure, history, and academic discipline.
4. Conclusion: Synthesizes the preceding perspectives to propose a final, refined definition of constructed languages as problem-solving tools.
Keywords
Constructed languages, Conlangs, Metalinguistic awareness, Artistic languages, Auxiliary languages, Engineered languages, Fictional languages, Language construction, Linguistics, Language planning, Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, Typology, World-building, A priori, A posteriori.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This paper explores the multifaceted concept of constructed languages, analyzing how they are defined, classified, and applied across various academic and creative fields.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The work covers language typology, historical linguistics, science fiction studies, and the pedagogical use of invented languages.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The primary goal is to move beyond basic definitions and establish a comprehensive, unified definition that accounts for the diverse motivations—from aesthetic to logical—behind language construction.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The study utilizes a literature-based review, synthesizing definitions from various academic and non-academic sources to derive a universal understanding of the concept.
What subjects are addressed in the main body?
The main body investigates the purpose (artistic, auxiliary, engineered), internal structure (source material), historical development, and academic approaches (linguistics, teaching, culture studies) to constructed languages.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include constructed languages, metalinguistic awareness, world-building, language construction, and problem-solving.
How does the author define a constructed language in the final chapter?
The final definition describes a constructed language as a system of symbols purposefully created with the intention of solving problems of a spiritual, philosophical, social, artistic, or linguistic nature.
How does the book address the distinction between natural and constructed languages?
The work distinguishes them primarily through the element of intentionality; whereas natural languages evolve organically, constructed languages are consciously created by an agent to solve specific problems.
- Quote paper
- Katharina Maschke (Author), 2021, Defining Constructed Languages. Definition and Basic Overview over the Concept, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1042120
