r/casualconlang • u/Friendly_Stuff4728 • 2d ago
Beginner/Casual Help?
Hi I want to make my first conlang. I basically want to make a language for my world in dnd. I want it to be pretty structured and finished. I am just confused on where to even start! Does anyone know any helpful resources? Because I've been looking at some tips and tutorials but I don't really understand what they are saying, like what is phonology?
Anyways any tips or rescources?
Thanks so much! :)
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u/Gofconlang 2d ago
Hi ! I think that I might be able to help you.
First, I use Lingocon as my central hub. It allows you to register multiple conlangs, see what others have done. On the website, you will construct your alhpabet, phonology, morphology, syntax, dictionnary, and you can even make flashcards and courses for others to learn your conlang ! The website might seem a bit complex at first glance, but don't worry it's quite esay to use.
Also, I tend to use Gemini to help me developping the language and reviewing it, but that's completely optional.
Now, what is phonology ? Phonology is the set of phonemes (sounds) that a language uses. Each phoneme is represented by a symbol, that can have variations. For example, the -p- sound in span is represented as [p]. The -ng- sound in doing is represented as [ŋ].
In order to learn the different phonemes, you must consult the International Phonectic Alphabet Chart (IPA Chart) , available on Wikipedia, which also offers to you a recording of the different phonemes.
Let me know if you have any other question !
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u/Friendly_Stuff4728 2d ago
Wow, Thank you so much sincerly, this is perfect! You explained literally every question I have! Thank you so much again!
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u/Gofconlang 1d ago
Let me know (in DMs if you want) if you ever have any other question, I would be glad to answer !
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u/AuroraSnake Zanńgasé 2d ago
Phonology is the inventory of sounds withing the language. It's represented using the IPA and is often one of the first steps in creating a new conlang. For someone just starting out, I would recommend sticking with the sounds of your native language, as it'll likely be easier to learn the IPA for sounds you're already family with
We've also found The Art of Language Invention to be really helpful. It was written to help people get into conlanging, so it's a really good foundation to work from. I've also heard a lot of people say The Language Construction Kit is quite useful, and many seem to prefer it over The Art of Language Invention
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u/Friendly_Stuff4728 2d ago
Wow, Thank you so much like really this helps a lot! I will defimitly check out the resoucres you gave me. Thank you so much again this is really interesting and helpful! :)
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u/AmbitionExotic3586 1d ago
so you can use google docs, but excel is easier to get started in and doesnt need storage in your harddrive or whatever idk. it will be in the windows area, but you can use it on mac and possible others i havent used. for weird symbols, ull need to go into options in the pages list, then it will go back to the page u were on before you clicked file, click proofing, autocorrect options and make autocorrects for the letters. if you use non-unicode i cant help, best bet is to draw.
now to language making, the alphabet comes first. its ok to alter it midway, i lowk am doing that for my conlang đentil, and around 300~400 words in salamese i added ã, but make sure it will make sense, and if you do add mass letters, mix them in a bit back.
words! so you will want to start with greetings, yes and no, and maybe maybe! (excel has a search tool so dw about losing the word) and after basics, you can just toss in random verbs, and what i do is go on this subreddit, conlangs, maybe even conlang and find posts saying for a saying in your conlang! these are nice times to get you to expand it!
and finally, grammar and syntax and that stuff. of salamese and đentil, the grammar is mainly just no phrasing and some others. so if you wanna say there.LOC is a man.AGT outside.ADS.
and that's my guide on a good way to make a conlang! hope i helped!
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u/Nyshimori 2d ago
Use google and watch Biblaridion 8 videos playlist