From Phrasing to Fantasy: How Language Shapes Your World

As you know, I used to be an interior designer, and I find that building a fantasy world is a little like creating a home. You can construct the walls and set up the furniture, but what truly breathes life into it are the small, lived-in details—the worn-out rug, the scent of a simmering pot, the specific way a family says "I love you." In the world of creative writing, invented language is that vital detail.

A believable world is more than just a map; it is a tapestry woven from the stories, beliefs, and, most importantly, the language of its people. The role of invented language in a fantasy world is to deepen the lore, ground your characters, and create a truly immersive experience that goes beyond a list of rules and a geographical map.

More Than Just Language

Language is the mirror of a culture. When you invent a new phrase, a regional dialect, or a specific way of greeting, you are doing more than just adding flavour—you are revealing history. Consider how a common insult in your world might have its roots in a long-forgotten war, or how a specific dialect from the northern mountains reflects the rough, no-nonsense nature of its people. These linguistic quirks act as subtle pieces of world-building that readers can discover on their own.

Think about how language shapes your world - a character's dialect. Do they speak with a particular cadence that reveals their social class or where they were born? Do they use ancient words that only an educated few can understand, hinting at their elite background? Language can be a powerful tool for characterisation, revealing a character’s past and present with a single phrase.

How Language Shapes Your World: The Power of a Single Invented Word

You don’t have to create a full language like J.R.R. Tolkien to create a deep, immersive world. Sometimes, the power lies in a single, well-placed word. A specific invented word for a type of magic, a mythical creature, or a place of great power can carry more weight than a paragraph of exposition. When you name a place "Elendil's Keep" and later reveal "Elendil" was a legendary hero, you've connected the reader to your world’s history without a single extra sentence.

The sound of your invented words matters, too. Do the words of the Elves sound flowing and melodic? Are the words of the Orcs harsh and guttural? The phonetic aesthetic of your language can subconsciously inform your reader about a culture’s nature. This is a subtle yet incredibly effective way to enhance the reader's experience.

In Bloodright Legacy, Book One, the world is not doing too well have lost order and it shows on children past a certain age as schools broke down and people stopped travelling. It's surprising how much is then affected. Just read up on COVID babies for example.

Practical Tips for Weaving Language into Your Narrative

• Start Small: You don’t need a full dictionary. Begin with a handful of key phrases, curses, or greetings. Sprinkle them into your dialogue and explain them through context. For example, in Bloodright Legacy, I named flowers, places, people and magic objects.

• Create a Hierarchy: Invent a few ancient words for things like magic or powerful beings. Then, create a few regional or cultural phrases that are more common in everyday speech.

• Use Context, Not a Glossary: Avoid stopping the flow of your narrative to explain a word, similar to the "show don't tell rule". Let the reader infer the meaning from the surrounding dialogue. If a character says, "By the Great Star, that's beautiful!" the reader can easily guess what "The Great Star" is.

• Look to Real Languages: Researching the evolution of real-world languages can give you inspiration for how dialects change and how ancient words fall in and out of use. I enjoyed this phase.

Ultimately, the role of invented language is to make your world feel real. It is a testament to the history and culture of your invented world, and a powerful tool for any writer looking to create a truly unforgettable experience. favourite

Do you have any favourite invented phrases you've come up with for a story? Do let me know on Instagram @feliciaffoster (look out for the double ff in there) :)