Alien Linguistics

Constructed languages in science fiction and fantasy

An 8-headed, bird-like species that communicates via regurgitating flavoured sacs of enzymes? Image by the author, © Brian Loo

Science fiction and fantasy, more than any other genre, offers writers a limitless creative canvas for pure linguistic experimentation.

Take J.R.R. Tolkien and his Lord of the Rings. He worked on the various languages that he constructed specifically for his iconic series populated by wizards and demons, men and elves…