artificial language: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, technical
Quick answer
What does “artificial language” mean?
A deliberately constructed language designed for a specific purpose, such as international communication, fiction, or linguistic experimentation, rather than having evolved naturally.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A deliberately constructed language designed for a specific purpose, such as international communication, fiction, or linguistic experimentation, rather than having evolved naturally.
Any language whose rules and vocabulary have been consciously created rather than developed organically through cultural use over time. This includes auxiliary languages like Esperanto, logical languages like Lojban, and constructed languages used in fictional settings (e.g., Klingon).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use the term identically.
Connotations
Neutral in both dialects. The word 'artificial' does not carry a negative connotation in this specific compound term.
Frequency
Equally common in academic and technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “artificial language” in a Sentence
[Subject] created/designed/invented an artificial language for [purpose].Esperanto is the most famous example of an artificial language.The linguist specialised in the study of artificial languages.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “artificial language” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He was an expert in artificial-language design.
- The course covered artificial-language theory.
American English
- She studied artificial-language development.
- It was a complex artificial-language project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. May appear in the context of branding, naming, or specific software/tech projects (e.g., 'We developed an artificial language for the game's characters').
Academic
Common in linguistics, philology, and language philosophy papers discussing language design, universals, and the properties of human language.
Everyday
Low frequency. Might be used by enthusiasts of Esperanto, sci-fi/fantasy fans discussing languages like Klingon or Dothraki.
Technical
Used in computational linguistics, logic, and formal language theory, sometimes contrasted with formal or programming languages.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “artificial language”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “artificial language”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “artificial language”
- Confusing 'artificial language' with 'computer language' or 'programming language'. The latter are for human-computer interaction, while 'artificial language' is primarily for human-human communication.
- Using 'artificial language' to mean 'formal language' in logic/mathematics without context.
- Thinking 'artificial' implies inferiority; in this term it is a neutral descriptor.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Esperanto is just the most successful and well-known. Thousands of artificial languages have been created, including Ido, Interlingua, Volapük, and fictional ones like Klingon, Dothraki, and Elvish languages.
Yes, in rare cases. Esperanto has a small number of native speakers (a few hundred to a thousand) who learned it from parents who use it as a common home language. This process is called 'first-language acquisition of a constructed language'.
An artificial language is designed for human-to-human communication, with vocabulary and grammar for expressing ideas, emotions, and commands. A programming language is a formal language designed to communicate instructions to a machine (computer) and is not used for general social interaction.
For various reasons: to facilitate international communication (auxiliary languages), for artistic expression in fiction (artistic languages), for linguistic experimentation or to test theories about language, and for specific practical uses like symbolic logic or cryptography.
A deliberately constructed language designed for a specific purpose, such as international communication, fiction, or linguistic experimentation, rather than having evolved naturally.
Artificial language is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Artificial language: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃ(ə)l ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃ(ə)l ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms use this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ARTIST crafting a sculpture. An ARTIFICIAL language is crafted or fabricated by a person or group, like an artist creates art, rather than growing naturally.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A TOOL (designed for a purpose), LANGUAGE IS A MACHINE (constructed with parts/grammar), LANGUAGE IS AN INVENTION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes an artificial language from a natural one?