J.R.R. Tolkien: The Art of Creating Fictional Languages

We often marvel at J.R.R. Tolkien's creation of Middle-earth and its complex history. However, an equally fascinating aspect of his work lies in the development of his fictional languages. This article explores how Tolkien managed to create these languages, the extent of his linguistic creativity, and how he used these languages to build his world.

Creating Languages: More than a Linguistic Exercise

Contrary to popular belief, Tolkien did not create 15 completely developed languages. Instead, he imagined the existence of 15 languages, with the goals and needs of his storytelling driving his creativity. When it came to the Black Speech, Tolkien only created nine words and the Ring-Inscription. These limited elements allowed him to outline a bit of grammar but not much more.

Tolkien focused more on fleshing out Quenya and Sindarin, two of the languages being used frequently in his stories. Even here, he created just enough grammar and vocabulary to meet his needs. Consider the complexity of languages like Quenya: It's possible to construct sentences like, "I would have given him the sword if he had asked me for it," but the complete grammatical structure remained underdeveloped.

The Illusion of Languages

Tolkien's goal was not to fully develop every language in his universe. Instead, he created small, romantic fragments of language and strung them together in convincing ways. Mundane phrases like 'Mum! Where are my socks? I need to go to the toilet! I don't want to go to school! I feel sick!' are never spelled out in any of his constructed languages, such as Sindarin, Silvan, or Khuzdul.

That said, he did provide words for important concepts that heroes, villains, and environments would need: red, grey, gold, silver, blue, white, black, brown, mountain, hill, tree, river, noble, man, woman, elf, mortal, dwarf, orc, wraith, song, evil, stars, and more. However, he left mundane, everyday words largely unspelt out, leaving the reader to fill in the blanks.

World-Building and Linguistic Attention

The languages Tolkien created were deeply intertwined with the world-building process. He wanted to showcase both the similarities and distinctions among the various races and species in his stories. This linguistic diversity helped to emphasize the different cultures and identities within Middle-earth, providing readers with a rich and immersive experience.

While Tolkien gave different levels of attention to various languages, not all received the same level of development. For example, Avarin languages were not as fleshed out as Quenya or Khuzdul.

The Polyglot and Linguist

Tolkien's linguistic background played a crucial role in his ability to create these languages.

Polyglot: Tolkien had a diverse linguistic background, being fluent in multiple languages, including Anglo-Saxon. This polyglot nature allowed him to approach language creation with a deep understanding of linguistic structure and mechanics. Linguistic Attention to Grammar: His attention to grammar, particularly in his real-life learned languages, was essential for constructing his fictional languages. The knowledge and meticulous attention to detail he applied in the creation of languages like Quenya and Sindarin were not just for fun but were a testament to his linguistic skill and creativity.

Tolkien's approach to language creation was not merely about creating a grammatical system; it was about capturing the sound, rhythm, and feeling of the words. This is evident in the way his words slip off the tongue in the fictional languages he crafted. This attention to sound and rhythm helped to create a vivid and immersive world that readers could easily visualize and engage with.

Conclusion

In conclusion, J.R.R. Tolkien's creation of fictional languages was a meticulous and thoughtful process that involved more than just linguistic exercises. Despite the limited development of some languages, his approach to world-building through language was a significant contribution to the richness and depth of his Middle-earth.

Through his linguistic creativity, Tolkien gifted the world with a universe that is not only linguistically varied but also a profound testament to the power of words in storytelling. His legacy continues to inspire creators and readers alike, reminding us of the magic that can be achieved through the mastery of words.