conlang

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "conlang" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to constructed languages, especially in linguistic or fandom contexts. An example: "Esperanto is a well-known conlang created in the early 20th century." Alternative expressions include "constructed language" and "artificial language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But the success of Game of Thrones means that Dothraki is widely expected to take over as the conlang of choice.

Independent

According to the most recent stats, Klingon is still the third-largest conlang spoken (after Interlingua and Esperanto), Okrand's Klingon Dictionary has sold more than 300,000 copies, but it is estimated that a few thousand people know a little Klingon, several hundred can read and write it, and perhaps a few dozen can speak it fluently.

Independent

"It's fair to say that there was no conlang community before the internet," Peterson says.

Independent

Languages have also been created for philosophical and political purposes, such as Laadan, an avowedly feminist, experimental conlang created by Suzette Haden Elgin in 1982 to see if a language specifically tailored towards expressing a female perspective would shape culture.

Independent

Dothraki is far and away Peterson's best-known "conlang" (constructed language – call Klingon, Elvish or Na'vi a "made-up" or "pretend" language and you risk the wrath of "conlangers" the world over) but he caught the bug after being introduced to Esperanto during his masters in linguistics at Berkeley, and now has a string of languages under his belt – or at least on his website.

Independent

While building the basics of a conlang can take as little as a month or two, a really good language takes at least a few years.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Today there's a vibrant conlanging community online; but it hasn't always been thus.

Independent

Entertainment industry conlangs have come a long way since Klingon was first uttered during Star Trek: The Motion Picture in 1979, having been devised by the actor James Doohan (Scotty) purely to sound "alien".

Independent

And since conlanging has always been regarded coolly by outsiders, it wouldn't come up in conversation.

Independent

Many conlanging projects begin with a simple premise that violates the inherited conventions of linguistics in some new way.

The New Yorker

J. R. R. Tolkien, who called conlanging his "secret vice," maintained that he created the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy for the primary purpose of giving his invented languages, Quenya, Sindarin, and Khuzdul, a universe in which they could be spoken.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about fictional worlds, using the term "conlang" demonstrates technical accuracy and respect for the work involved in language creation.

Common error

When discussing "conlangs", refrain from using dismissive terms such as "made-up" or "fake". These terms trivialize the complexity and purpose behind the creation of a constructed language.

Linguistic Context

The word "conlang" functions as a noun, typically used to refer to a language that has been artificially constructed. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to differentiate these languages from naturally evolved ones.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig's analysis confirms that "conlang" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term for constructed languages, finding usage across diverse sources such as the Independent, The Guardian, and The New York Times. The term is most frequently found in News & Media, and Formal & Business contexts. Understanding the nuances of "conlang" helps in clear and precise communication about artificial languages, and Ludwig AI emphasizes the importance of using respectful terminology when discussing them, ensuring accurate and informed writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constructed language

Replaces "conlang" with a more descriptive term, suitable for formal contexts.

artificial language

Similar to "constructed language", emphasizing the non-natural origin.

invented language

Highlights the act of creating a new language from scratch.

planned language

Focuses on the deliberate and structured nature of its creation.

engineered language

Suggests a more technical and systematic approach to language creation.

designed language

Emphasizes the purposeful design behind the language's structure and features.

fantasy language

Highlights usage in fiction and world-building, especially within fictional universes.

neography

Refers to the act or product of creating a new writing system, related to conlangs.

auxiliary language

Describes a conlang intended for international communication.

world-building language

Specifies the creation of a language for the purpose of immersive world creation

FAQs

What is a "conlang" and what are some examples?

A "conlang" is a constructed language, created artificially rather than evolving naturally. Examples include Esperanto, Klingon, and Dothraki.

How does a "conlang" differ from a natural language?

Unlike natural languages that evolve organically, a "conlang" is intentionally designed with specific rules and structures, often for specific purposes such as fiction or experimentation.

Where can I learn more about "conlanging"?

You can find resources and communities dedicated to "conlanging" online, including forums, language creation societies, and linguistic databases.

Why are "conlangs" created?

"Conlangs" are created for various reasons, including artistic expression, linguistic experimentation, world-building in fiction, and facilitating international communication. Some are made for philosophical or political reasons, as with "Laadan".