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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/42766
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/42766
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

 **A "dictionary" for your fantasy language should never be _needed_ by the reader.** If the reader has to learn a language, or flip back and forth to a dictionary, the flow of the reading is broken every time, reading becomes too much "work", and chances are the reader would drop your book. Thus, every time a line in your constructed language appears in your writing, its meaning has to be either understood from context, at least broadly, or a translation needs to be provided, or, if the meaning is left obscure, it has to be _deliberately_ so.

Examples:

> When he saw Strider, he dismounted and ran to meet him calling out: _Ai na vedui Dúnadan! Mae govannen!_ His speech and clear ringing voice left no doubt in their hearts: the rider was of the Elven-folk. (J.R.R. Tolkien, _The Lord of the Rings_, book 1, chapter 12 - Flight to the Ford)

We understand from context that the conlang line is some form of greeting, a pleased/happy one.

> ‘I thank you indeed, Gildor Inglorion,’ said Frodo bowing. ‘_Elen síla lúmenn’ omentielvo_, a star shines on the hour of our meeting,’ he added in the High-elven speech. (_ibid_, chapter 3 - Three is Company)

Translation is provided.

> Frodo gazed in wonder at this marvellous gift that he had so long carried, not guessing its full worth and potency. Seldom had he remembered it on the road, until they came to Morgul Vale, and never had he used it for fear of its revealing light. _Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!_ he cried, and knew not what he had spoken; for it seemed that another voice spoke through his, clear, untroubled by the foul air of the pit. (_ibid_, book 4, chapter 9 - Shelob's Lair)

Meaning left deliberately obscure.

That said, even if a dictionary is not needed, it might be wanted. People wanted to learn Quenya and Sindarin, and the constructed languages of other franchises. Such fans would find an appendix such as you suggest helpful.

There is, however, yet another consideration: within the story, you suggest that this language of yours is a complete language, that some people once spoke. If the dictionary for this language is so small as to be contained in a short appendix, you're breaking the illusion. The Oxford English Dictionary, for example, is 20 massive tomes. Your conlang pretends to be on equal scale, it's just that your characters only know a few words of it. And then comes the appendix, and it turns out that no, there is no massive language after all.

Original score: 13