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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/1901
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

An invented language can be a tool for exposing the traits of a culture. Different languages not only sound different, but they _feel_ different. They shape ideas differently. They are also shaped by their environments. The way a language works can help illustrate the thought processes of the people who speak it.

As an example, I recently saw the Star Trek episode "[Darmok](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darmok)," where the Enterprise encounters a race whose entire language is based on metaphor and comparison. Their actions seem hostile until the crew begins to understand their language, at which point it becomes apparent that the alien captain acted with surprising selflessness in order to open the lines of communication.

Another example comes from Dune. Paul and his family move from Caladan (a water world) to Dune (a desert world). They are shocked when they natives spit at them, taking it as an insult. In fact, the natives are offering their allegiance by giving away a small part of their bodies' water. As water is a precious resource on the planet, this is a gesture of respect.

Many stories simply use invented languages for flavor. Sometimes this can help the world feel a little bit more alive. Still, I feel that the author misses an opportunity if they don't bother thinking about the mechanics of the language _at least a little_, and about how the language reflects the unique aspects of that culture.

I would also be very careful to avoid over-using an invented language. Paragraphs of made-up words are going to be off-putting to most readers. However, carefully used phrases, words, or even body language, can be a very powerful tool, revealing differences between cultures and their modes of thinking. They can create barriers or ties between characters. They can even be the cause of misunderstandings and wars.

Original score: 17