Klingon, Elvish, Dothraki, Na’vi...Yes, these are those “made-up” languages. No, they’re not actually just gibberish or alien-sounding words. They are constructed languages, or conlangs for short, and they are languages in their own right, with a full description of the rules behind the sounds, the grammar, and even cultural and historical influences on the language.

While this may seem like a huge ordeal involving knowledge of linguistics and social sciences, it is actually more of an art form. It’s up to you! In this course, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to create a language, whether you want to provide context for your fictional race in your sci-fi novel, or you want to understand how a language can exist with no vowels, or maybe even if you want to unite the world under one common language which promotes peace and understanding (!).

We will have weekly lectures about some topics in linguistics and look at examples of langs across the spectrum, natural and constructed, to understand the diversity and possibilities of language. There will be some readings, reflections, and discussions so you can familiarize yourself with the different forms your proposed idea might take. And finally, you’ll create your own conlang, from start to finish!

Enrollment policy as of now will be first come, first served at our first few classes. Please fill out the following form so we can gauge interest in the class. This is not an application to get into the class, just a planning tool for the facilitators. First class will be Jan 24! Come talk to us at the DeCal Expo (Jan 27, 5-7pm)!