Syntetian

Syntetian is a fictional constructed language created for a science fiction worldbuilding project. It was developed by linguist and writer Lina M. Voss for the setting known as the Syntetian Protocol, and is described in-universe in The Syntetian Compendium (2149). The language was designed to explore the dynamics of human–machine communication and multilingual diplomacy in a technologically advanced society.

Phonology and writing: Syntetian has a moderate consonant inventory and five vowel phonemes. It employs vowel harmony and favors open syllables. The writing system is a syllabary-like script called Synten, with Latin transliteration used in external materials.

Grammar: Syntetian is largely analytic and follows a fixed subject–verb–object order. Nouns lack case marking; adjectives typically follow nouns. Verbs encode aspect and mood through affixes and may include subject agreement markers. The language also uses clitics to mark stance, evidentiality, and tense. Personal pronouns encode inclusive versus exclusive 'we' and distinguish number and politeness in certain registers.

Usage and reception: Within the fiction, Syntetian is widely used in diplomacy, science communication, and literature. It serves as a test case for translation algorithms and human–AI interaction in the narrative. Outside the fiction, it is discussed by fans and scholars of constructed languages as an example of cohesive worldbuilding that integrates phonology, morphology, and sociolinguistic context.