D.R.’s Comments (group member since Jan 27, 2015)

D.R.’s comments from the Conlangs! Constructed languages in literature group.

Definitely a worthy cause -- áala!

Lamikorda is available until May 12th at a special reduced price ($1.99) through Amazon Kindle.

Whether you've invented a language for your book, or are fascinated by one you've read about, say something about what makes that conlang, unique, interesting, beautiful sublime ... whatever.

For the Kiitra language in Lamikorda:

1) It's a major "set piece," giving the novel more verisimilitude. But I've also used it to raise ideas about how we convey concepts in language. So, for example, there is no singular verb for "apologize" in Kiitra, but there is the compound form persh (ara) kijem [to beg (one) to forgive].

2) Kiitra was quite functional by the time I completed the novel, but I've continued to expand its lexicon (now over 3600 entries).

Two questions for you:

1) What role does your conlang play? Is it just window dressing, or does it provide a focus for themes and ideas?

2) Has your conlang taken on a life of its own? Do you keep working on it, or have you put it on a shelf somewhere once the book is done?

Lamikorda - science fiction novel featuring the conlang Kiitra, as well as the sketchlangs Baija, Konarai, Krishkarsha, Saakh and Alplai Sign Language.

So, if you've either written a piece of conlang fiction, or know of one that others may enjoy, feel free to "plug" it here in the comments below!