Bahnaric

Bahnaric is a constructed language created by David J. Peterson, known for his work on Dothraki and High Valyrian for the Game of Thrones television series. Peterson developed Bahnaric for the fictional people of the Bahnar in the novel "The Dragon's Legacy" by Patrick G.T. Healy. The language is intended to reflect the culture and history of the Bahnar people.

The phonology of Bahnaric features a range of sounds designed to be distinct yet pronounceable. Its grammar exhibits a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) word order, which is common in many natural languages but less so in English. The language incorporates a system of noun cases to indicate grammatical function, and verb conjugations that express tense, aspect, and mood.

Lexically, Bahnaric draws inspiration from various linguistic sources, aiming for a unique flavor. Peterson has stated that the vocabulary is designed to be evocative of the Bahnar's environment and societal structures. The development of Bahnaric is part of a broader trend in contemporary fantasy and science fiction literature to create detailed and believable fictional languages that enhance the world-building of the narrative. While not as widely known as some of Peterson's other conlangs, Bahnaric represents a significant effort in linguistic construction for fictional purposes.