Middle-earth languages facts for kids
J. R. R. Tolkien, a famous writer, created many amazing stories about a world called Middle-earth. But he didn't just write stories; he also invented whole new constructed languages for his characters to speak! These languages make his world feel very real and deep.
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How Tolkien Created Languages
J. R. R. Tolkien loved languages from a young age. He was a philologist, which means he studied languages and how they change over time. Because of this passion, he started making up his own languages.
He didn't just make a few words. Some of his languages have detailed grammars and large vocabularies. Others are simpler, with only a few words or names. The most developed languages are Quenya and Sindarin.
Tolkien also designed special writing systems for his languages. These include the Tengwar, Sarati, and Cirth scripts. Imagine creating not just a language, but also its own unique alphabet!
Languages of Middle-earth
Elvish Languages
The Elvish languages are spoken by the Elves in Middle-earth. Sometimes, these languages were used by everyone. Later, humans also learned Elvish, especially scientists and important leaders.
There are two main groups of Elvish languages: Quenya and the Telerin languages. The Telerin group includes Telerin, Nandorin, and Sindarin.
Quenya
Quenya is an Elvish language. The Vanyar and Noldor Elves spoke it in their homeland, Valinor. When the Noldor Elves came back to Middle-earth, they brought Quenya with them.
However, another Elvish language called Sindarin was more common for everyday talking. Over time, Quenya became more of a formal language. It was used for science, important ceremonies, and ancient songs. Tolkien sometimes called Quenya the "Elf-Latin" because of this.
Telerin
Telerin is another Elvish language. The Teleri Elves spoke it. Many new languages and dialects grew from Telerin, like Sindarin.
Sindarin
Sindarin is an Elvish language that came from Telerin. The Sindar, also known as the Grey Elves, spoke it in Middle-earth. It became the most widely spoken Elvish language in Middle-earth.
Human Languages
Adûnaic
Adûnaic was the language of the people of Númenor. After Númenor was destroyed, people didn't use Adûnaic much anymore. From Adûnaic and other local languages, a new language called Westron developed.
Westron (Common Speech)
Westron is also known as the Common Speech. It came from Adûnaic and other languages spoken in Middle-earth. In the Third Age, Westron became the main language. Most people in Middle-earth could speak and understand it.
In Tolkien's books, when you read text in English, it's usually meant to be Westron.
Rohirric
Rohirric is the language of the Rohirrim, who live in Rohan. In the books, words and names from Rohirric are shown using Old English. This makes Rohirric feel old but still similar to the hobbits' Westron.
Khuzdûl (Dwarvish)
Khuzdûl is the language of the Dwarves. Dwarves like to keep many things secret, and their language is one of them. Because of this, we only know a few place names and phrases from Khuzdûl.
Dwarves never tell their Khuzdûl names to other races. Instead, they use different names when talking to non-Dwarves. The Dwarven "nicknames" you see in the books often come from Norse mythology.
Besides their spoken language, called aglab, Dwarves also had iglishmek. This was a special sign language.
Entish
Entish is the language of the Ents, who are tree-like creatures. Just like the Ents themselves, their language is very slow. It takes a long time to say anything! The language uses many long descriptions and repetitions. Because it's so complicated and slow, only the Ents can understand or use it.
Valarin
Valarin was the language spoken by the Ainur. These were powerful beings who existed before the world was made.
Black Speech
The Black Speech is the language of Sauron, the Dark Lord. He created this language, and his followers used it. The famous inscription on the One Ring was written in Black Speech, using the Tengwar script. Besides the Ring's words, we know a few other names and words from Black Speech.
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