Is Tolkiens Elvish a Real Language?
Is Tolkien's Elvish a Real Language?
The answer to whether Tolkien's Elvish is a real language depends on how one defines "real." Tolkien created two principal languages, Quenya and Sindarin, which can be fully developed and used as 'real languages.' These languages, known as constructed languages (conlangs) or art-languages, are linguistic creations developed by J.R.R. Tolkien as a hobby to enrich the world of his Middle-earth.
Who Created Elvish?
Tolkien created both languages known as "Elvish," specifically "High Elven" (Quenya) and "Grey Elven" (Sindarin). These languages can be traced back to his earlier works such as the Silmarillion, which was published posthumously by his son, despite the stories in The Lord of the Rings being his primary outlet for presenting texts in these languages to a broader audience.
The Fictional Language Misstatement
In English, "fictional language" refers to languages presumed to exist within a story but never shown or proven to exist in real life. However, when a conlang is actually presented and shown in a story, it falls into the realm of reconstructed, auxiliary, or artistic languages. Quenya and Sindarin are both types of constructed languages (conlangs), and as such, they are closer to real languages than to fictional ones.
Hence, saying that "Mae govannen" (a greeting in Sindarin) is purely fictive would be incorrect, as it is a real phrase that has been created and adapted to be spoken within a fictional world. This is why some people might debate whether it qualifies as a "real language," but Tolkien's definitions and usage of these languages make them a part of a broader linguistic tradition within his works.
From The Silmarillion to The Lord of the Rings
Both Quenya and Sindarin existed independently of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien's Silmarillion stories, which were published posthumously, contain these languages. However, the first extensive use of Elvish in story-telling form was with the publication of The Lord of the Rings. The novel's publication marked a definitive version of these languages that had been used for the earlier stories, including the Silmarillion.
Tolkien's authorial vision was to create a coherent linguistic history for the world of Middle-earth. This led him to incorporate these languages into The Hobbit and later into The Lord of the Rings, providing a richer language and cultural backdrop. The Hobbit was originally conceived as a standalone work of high fantasy, but later became integrated into the broader literary universe of Tolkien's creation.
Is Elvish a Real Language?
Quenya, in particular, can be considered a real language in the sense that one can write texts in it and learn to read such texts. However, it is not a naturally spoken language by a population of people in the real world. Some linguists argue that only those languages spoken by actual populations can be considered real. Quenya and Sindarin are more akin to artistic languages or conlangs, reflecting Tolkien's meticulous and creative work.
Tolkien's approach to Elvish involved a deep respect for linguistic structures and rules. He believed that any language should be able to support the demands of allegorical and often epic storytelling. This means that Elvish has a complex grammar, vocabulary, and even mythology, making it a rich and fully developed language.
Was It Invented for the Book?
Tolkien created Elvish in service of his stories. However, the reverse is also true; stories were invented to serve the languages he created. High and Grey Elven existed before the publication of The Lord of the Rings. The novel itself played a role in consolidating and presenting these languages in a more cohesive and detailed way.
When Tolkien wrote The Lord of the Rings, he had the opportunity to refine and integrate the languages he had developed. He expanded the vocabulary and grammar, drew connections between names and meanings, and even created new stories that showcased the beauty and complexity of Quenya and Sindarin. The novel became a platform for Tolkien's linguistic creations, allowing his readers to appreciate them in a literary context.
Thus, Elvish is both a language created for a book and a book created for a language. Tolkien's deep love for language and his extensive work on linguistics led him to create a fascinating and multifaceted language system that resonates with readers and scholars alike.