All Questions
Tagged with constructed-language language
16 questions
4
votes
1
answer
215
views
Is using Swahili inspired vocabulary and words similar to Japanese slang in my custom language cultural appropriation?
For context the species using my language are non-human with mostly human characteristics. This extraterrestrial race is called the Ilya and they differ from humans in the way that they evolved to be ...
2
votes
3
answers
206
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Would incorporating a constructed language into my story this way cause confusion later?
This is part of the story I'm working on:
“Imikagaw” a feminine voice called out as she put her hand on the back of the man in cape. “Usamiakusta ow ihsataw aw amas Enna “Uoyustih ag imikagaw aw nah ...
- 65
8
votes
2
answers
849
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How can you make up a convincing dialect?
I often need to introduce one, if not several, made up dialects.
We're talking about fictional worldbuilding: so any real world dialect is ruled out. They can be used as a source of inspiration, but ...
- 15.9k
10
votes
2
answers
281
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Should I include an appendix to reference words of an in-universe language for a fantasy novel?
Context
I am currently working on a fantasy novel in which one of the main characters is a nobleman and scholar, studying exotic languages as part of his higher education and translating documents ...
- 8,762
4
votes
2
answers
1k
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What font should I use to write alien language?
In my story, I'm using the font WingDings to represent the language for the alien race.
Should I be using something different or am I ok with using WingDings to represent a constructed language? Any ...
4
votes
2
answers
309
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Chants in fictional languages
I plan at several parts of my book to have war chants done in the fictional language of my main race/species. Would it be better to write the chant in their language? Put the fictional language with ...
- 4,609
6
votes
2
answers
312
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Formatting multiple languages while avoiding italics for native speakers in their POV
Looking at this question, I was trying to figure out how to format a small family of novels and short stories that use a number of languages. My original approach went with the above question's style. ...
- 340
12
votes
6
answers
5k
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How to handle translation of a language in a comic, while preserving a sense that the language is significant?
I am producing a comic in which a fictional language is frequently spoken.
This language (and which characters are able to speak it) is significant to the plot, so it's important that the reader ...
- 1,525
10
votes
5
answers
880
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How can I keep my dialogue nuanced and informal without breaking the illusion that the story is a translation (from a fictional language)?
The story I'm writing is in English, but it's set in a constructed world with a range of different languages. The general conceit is that anything the viewpoint character (of which there's more than ...
- 1,525
7
votes
3
answers
278
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How to Explain the Pronunciation of a Conlang Within the Text of the Novel
In novels which contain a constructed language (conlang), there are areas where the rules of pronunciation can be specified. These areas have the disadvantage of either being before the story and ...
1
vote
3
answers
358
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Writing in English, from the viewpoint of a non-English-speaking character, how can I convey a language very similar to the character's own?
To provide a little background, I'm writing a novel set in a fantasy world, within which there are multiple languages.
I'm applying the rule that any speech the viewpoint character (I'm using ...
- 1,525
4
votes
2
answers
207
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Transcribing a fictional pictograph based language
I'm a fresh pup to this site and I have a bit of a quagmire at my fingertips.
My novel takes place in a dystopian future approximately half a century from the modern day. Consumerism and promotional ...
- 43
6
votes
5
answers
2k
views
Can I use an existing fictional language?
When creating a world where there are either aliens or fantasy races, you know that they should speak their own language.
But the truth is that for story purposes, such races will speak their language ...
- 791
4
votes
8
answers
1k
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Constructed Language - how to spell words that will be mispronounced in English
I wasn't sure how to phrase the title, so it may be a bit confusing. Feel free to edit it if you can phrase it better.
This question may be better suited for Worldbuilding SE. However, it is about ...
8
votes
2
answers
981
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Should I create my own ConLang for my story? [closed]
For my story I'm writing, some of the characters speak a different language from the protagonists.
Should I actually create a ConLang (constructed language) for them and use it in dialog OR should ...
- 191
17
votes
6
answers
2k
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How can I effectively invent a language?
I want to make a particular language that adapts to the story. And the language has to have x and y and e characteristics for example.
Is there a protocol to follow on the process of making a ...
- 547