conlang: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Hobbyist
Quick answer
What does “conlang” mean?
A consciously invented language, created for artistic, experimental, or communication purposes rather than having evolved naturally.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A consciously invented language, created for artistic, experimental, or communication purposes rather than having evolved naturally.
A constructed language; a language whose phonology, grammar, and vocabulary have been consciously devised for a specific purpose, such as use in fiction (e.g., Klingon, Dothraki), international communication (e.g., Esperanto), linguistic experimentation, or personal recreation. The practice and community surrounding the creation of such languages is called conlanging.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling remains the same.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be recognized in American English due to the prominence of Hollywood franchises featuring constructed languages (e.g., Star Trek, Game of Thrones).
Frequency
Low frequency in both variants, but with a slight edge in occurrence in online forums and academic (linguistic) contexts in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “conlang” in a Sentence
to conlang [a language] (verb)the conlang [of a franchise] (noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conlang” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She spends her weekends conlanging, developing a unique phonetic system.
- He has been conlanging for over a decade.
American English
- They conlang together as a creative hobby.
- I'm conlanging a language for my novel's elves.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- The conlang grammar was remarkably intricate.
- He attended a conlang workshop at the university.
American English
- She is a well-known conlang artist.
- The book features a detailed conlang appendix.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in linguistics, particularly in studies of language typology, creation, and fictional world-building.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used in discussions about popular films, TV series, or books that feature invented languages.
Technical
Core term within the hobbyist community of language creators (conlangers). Used on specialised forums, in tutorials, and at conferences like the Language Creation Conference.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conlang”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conlang”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conlang”
- Using 'conlang' as a general term for any obscure or ancient language. Mistaking a pidgin or creole for a conlang (they are natural languages). Incorrect pluralisation: 'conlangs' is standard, not 'conlang' for plural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A conlang has its own unique grammar, vocabulary, and phonology for full communication. A code or cipher is a system for disguising an existing language.
These are subtypes of conlangs. An 'artlang' (artistic language) is created for aesthetic or fictional purposes (e.g., Sindarin). An 'auxlang' (auxiliary language) is designed for international communication (e.g., Esperanto).
Yes, if the language is sufficiently developed and has a community of speakers. People have achieved fluency in Esperanto, Klingon, and other well-developed conlangs.
No. While the term 'conlang' is modern, the practice dates back centuries. Philosophers and scholars have long invented languages, with notable examples from the 12th century (Lingua Ignota) and the 17th century (John Wilkins' philosophical language).
A consciously invented language, created for artistic, experimental, or communication purposes rather than having evolved naturally.
Conlang is usually technical / hobbyist in register.
Conlang: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.læŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.læŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No established idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CONstructed LANGuage' = CONLANG. It's a language you CONsciously build from the ground up.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A CONSTRUCTED ARTEFACT / LANGUAGE IS A BUILDING (with phonology, grammar, and vocabulary as its foundation, walls, and furnishings).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of a conlang?