Authors who know how languages work can invent them: Tolkien, obviously. Poul Anderson does a tiny bit of this:
"'Ah, aen litt. Gode!... Ik hait Boierik Wulfilasson ok main gefreond heer erran Boleslav Arkonsky.'" (p. 208)
Everard has never heard this language before but he understands it. So do we:
"Ah, a little. Good!... I am Boierik Wulfilasson and my friend here is Boleslov Arkonsky."
Of course, Everard does not know how to speak the language but, go-ahead guy that he is, he tries it anyway:
"'What the hell erran thu making, anyway?' he blustered. 'Ik bin aen man auf Sirius - the stern Sirius, mit planeten ok all. Set uns gebach or willen be der Teufel to pay!'" (ibid.)
Boierik looks pained and suggests the use of an interpreter.
Kaor, Paul!
ReplyDeleteThis part of "Delenda Est" is amusing! And I can't help but think that here Anderson was slipping in a bit of sly humor or comedy. Esp. the idea of a "blustering" Everard barreling ahead in a tough situation.
Ad astra! Sean
If a language is related to one you know, you can often pick up chunks of it from hearing it, or, more easily, reading it.
ReplyDeleteFor example, I know French but not Catalan. But I can read simple sentences in Catalan without much trouble, and understand some spoken phrases.
I couldn't speak or write it to save my life.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
ReplyDeleteSo you would have to bluster if you ever got stuck in a tight spot like that of Everard here!
Ad astra! Sean