Why Did J.R.R. Tolkien Develop So Many Languages?

Did J.R.R. Tolkien truly create 15 languages? Or was it an illusion he carefully cultivated? This article delves into the intricate world of Elvish languages and the creative process behind Tolkien's linguistic imaginings.

From Imagined Languages to Reality

Tolkien introduced the idea of the 'Black Speech,' a dark language of the Moria trolls. Yet, he never fully developed its grammar, vocabulary, and writing system. The only complete creations were the nine words inscribed on the One Ring. These words form the core of the Black Speech's limited linguistic existence.

In contrast, Quenya and Sindarin were fleshed out in detail. However, even these languages were only structured enough to meet Tolkien's narrative needs. For example, the subjunctive mood, a complex grammatical element, was not utilized in Quenya to express hypothetical situations, such as: "I would have given him the sword if he had asked me for it."

The Illusion of Languages

Tolkien's great talent lay in the illusion of languages. He created small fragments of romantic language that, when pieced together, gave the impression of comprehensive systems. Phrases for mundane communication such as "Mum! Where are my socks? I need to go to the toilet! I don't want to go to school! I feel sick!" were never properly translated in Tolkien's fantasy languages.

Despite this, he had a rich vocabulary in several languages. He created words for abstract concepts like 'evil,' 'stars,' and 'darkness,' as well as physical entities such as 'mountain,' 'hill,' and 'tree.' Yet, the mundane words of daily life were often left untranslated, a testament to his focus on the essence of the languages for his storytelling.

The Sound and Rhythm of Language

What truly captivated Tolkien were the sounds and rhythms of the languages. The way words slipped off the tongue and the melody they produced were the elements he most excelled in. The internal rhyme and musicality of Elvish languages added depth to his world and characters. This aspect of language creation was a crucial part of his world-building process.

The development of languages was not a uniform process. For instance, the Avarin languages were less fleshed out compared to Quenya and Khuzdul. Tolkien's background as a linguist and his appreciation for the complexities of language allowed him to indulge in the creative process of language creation, especially when he was in a comfortable and peaceful environment.

Equal Attention and Priorities

Tolkien was not equally devoted to each of the languages he created. For example, the Avarin languages were not as developed as Quenya or Khuzdul. This differential attention reflects the priorities of his storytelling and narrative needs.

Tolkien, being multi-lingual and linguistically astute, understood the intricacies necessary to create languages. If you have a background in linguistics, the task of language creation is more akin to play than a daunting endeavor. Tolkien took this passion and turned it into a significant part of his creative process, enriching his stories with the subtle differences in languages of different races and species.

Conclusion

Despite the extensive vocabulary and structured grammars, the true essence of Tolkien's languages lies in their sounds and rhythms. These elements were crafted with meticulous attention, making them an integral part of the rich tapestry of Middle-earth. His linguistic genius allowed him to create an illusion of complex languages, which, in turn, enhanced the depth and realism of his fantastical world.