tersian

Tersian is a fictional language created by linguist and science fiction author David J. Peterson for use in the television series *Game of Thrones* and its associated media. Peterson developed the language as part of his broader work on constructing fictional tongues, often referred to as *conlangs*, to enhance the authenticity of the *A Song of Ice and Fire* universe.

The name "Tersian" originates from the fictional region of Essos, where it is spoken by the Tyshans, a people depicted in the books and later adapted into the show. The language is designed to reflect the cultural and historical influences of the region, blending elements of real-world languages like Turkish, Persian, and others. Peterson aimed to create a language that sounded distinct yet plausible, with a melodic and rhythmic structure.

Tersian features a complex grammar, including agglutinative word formation, where morphemes (meaning-bearing units) are added to roots to convey nuanced meanings. Its vocabulary incorporates loanwords from other languages in the *Game of Thrones* universe, such as High Valyrian and Dothraki, to maintain internal consistency. The language also includes regional dialects, reflecting the diverse cultures of Essos.

While Tersian was primarily developed for *Game of Thrones*, Peterson has occasionally used it in other projects, such as the *Star Trek* series *Discovery*, where he created the Klingon language. Its creation highlights the intersection of linguistics and storytelling, demonstrating how constructed languages can enrich fictional worlds by immersing audiences in their cultural and linguistic diversity.