conlanger

A conlanger, or constructed language designer, is someone who creates languages that are intentionally designed rather than evolved naturally. Conlanging encompasses specifying sound systems, writing systems, grammar, and lexicon, as well as the cultural and historical context in which a language might be used. Conlangs can be designed for international communication, artistic expression, or linguistic experimentation. They are often categorized as a priori languages, built from descriptive rules with little to no direct basis in existing languages, or a posteriori languages, drawn from elements of known tongues.

A typical conlang project includes deciding phonology, phonotactics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and lexicon. Some conlangs aim for naturalistic variety, mirroring features of natural languages, while others emphasize regularity and logical design. Writing systems range from alphabets to syllabaries or logographic schemes. Documentation usually takes the form of grammars, dictionaries, texts, and learning materials.

Conlanging communities share drafts, receive feedback, and collaborate on large projects or worldbuilding for fiction. They may publish on wikis, forums, or dedicated sites. The work can be solitary or collaborative, spanning years. The field intersects linguistics, literary art, and cognition, and it remains a hobby for many while some pursue professional-level or educational goals.

Notable examples include Esperanto, created by Ludwig Zamenhof as an international auxiliary language; J. R. R. Tolkien's Quenya and Sindarin; Klingon from Star Trek, developed by Marc Okrand; and Na'vi from Avatar, developed by Paul Frommer. The term conlanger is widely used in online communities and academic discussions about language design.