constructedgrammar

Constructed grammar refers to the systematic description of a constructed language, a language deliberately created rather than evolved naturally. A constructed language, or conlang, consists of a phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon, and often a writing system, designed to function as a communicative tool, a work of art, or a linguistic experiment. Constructed grammars are produced for various purposes: international communication (auxiliary languages), artistic or fictional worlds, or theoretical exploration of linguistic possibilities. They are typically described in reference grammars and user guides that specify phoneme inventories, word formation processes, syntax rules, and example texts.

Conlangs are commonly categorized as auxiliary languages (for international ease of learning), engineered languages (engineered with specific logical or mathematical aims), or artlangs (crafted for fiction or aesthetic). Notable examples include Esperanto, designed for easy learnability and widespread use; Lojban, created to test formalizable logic in natural language; Ithkuil, intended to express deeper categories with a compact form; Klingon and Dothraki, created for fictional universes; and Toki Pona, a minimalist language focusing on simplicity.

Design choices in a constructed grammar address phonology (phoneme inventory and phonotactics), morphology (affixation and word-formation), syntax (word order and agreement), and lexicon (how new words are coined). Some grammars emphasize naturalistic feel and historical plausibility, while others pursue regularity and logical rigor, sometimes at the expense of naturalism. Documentation, corpora, and learner resources accompany the grammar to aid use and study. Constructed grammars thus sit at the intersection of linguistics, storytelling, and inventive culture, reflecting diverse goals and communities.