ConLangs 101 Resource Sheet

Introduction

Language construction is a complex task, requiring a basic understanding of biology, linguistics and culture. Because of that, the ConLangs 101 panel was necessarily abbreviated to cover as much material as possible in the hope that it might point you in some good directions. This resource sheet complements the panel by providing additional charts and links to help you get started.


A Departure from English

In this section of the panel, we talked about the Dothraki language constructed for HBO's Game of Thrones and discussed our own experience with languages other than English.

ConLangs 101 Blog Series Entries

ConLangs 101: A Departure from English

Articles and Learning Materials

'Game of Thrones' linguist: How to create a language from scratch
Scottish Gaelic learners' materials on the Internet

Books

Name of the Wind: The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day One
Embassytown


Biology: Creating Bodies that Communicate

In this section of the panel, we discussed biologies both human and alien with special emphasis on human speech and hearing.

ConLangs 101 Blog Series Entries

ConLangs 101: The Biology of Communication

Human Speech Anatomy

Human Hearing Anatomy

Links

Neuroscience for Kids: The Brain and Language
Language and the Brain: Neurocognitive Linguistics


Linguistics: Creating Immediate and Permanent Communication

In this section of the panel, we talked about immediate and permanent communication including morphology, syntax, writing systems and the relationship between 'spoken' and 'written' language.

ConLangs 101 Blog Series Entries

ConLangs 101: Units of Speech and Writing

Books

Dune

Links

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
The Language Construction Kit
Types of writing system
The Meaning and Source of “Inama Nushif”

Videos

Inama Nushif, from the Children of Dune Miniseries


Culture: Creating a Culture of Communication

In this section of the panel, we talked about the way language integrates with culture using examples from the Nova Scotia Scottish Gaelic community and again from the Dothraki language constructed for HBO's Game of Thrones.

ConLangs 101 Blog Series Entries

ConLangs 101: Culture of Communication

Links

Fantasy Worldbuilding Questions By Patricia C. Wrede


That's it! I hope this resource sheet was helpful to you. Best of luck with your conlang!