klingon

Klingon refers to a fictional humanoid species and, in the Star Trek franchise, the language they speak. Klingons are native to the planet Qo’noS and are depicted as a martial, honor‑bound people with a cultural emphasis on personal and family honor, ritual combat, and strict codes of conduct. They are presented as both adversaries and allies across the series, and their appearance is typically marked by the distinctive cranial ridges of many portrayals.

The Klingon language, tlhIngan Hol, was created by linguist Marc Okrand for Star Trek in the 1980s; it first appeared on screen in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. The language has its own grammar, vocabulary, and phonology, and is studied and spoken by fans. It uses a Latin-based transcription and a traditional writing system called pIqaD. Common phrases include Qapla’ (“success”) and nuqneH (“What do you want?”).

Outside the on-screen canon, Klingon has inspired a dedicated community and scholarly resources. The Klingon Language Institute (KLI) publishes dictionaries, grammars, and a journal, HolQeD, and offers courses and events for learners. The language’s development has influenced the broader field of constructed languages and fan engagement with Star Trek, contributing to language-learning communities and cross-media appreciation of the franchise.