Creating a Language for Fantasy and Science Fiction Worlds with Frauke Uhlenbruch
Admission
- $180.00 - Supporting Tuition
- $134.00 - Helping Hands
Description
This three-part class, guided by computational linguist and language expert Frauke Uhlenbruch, will explore how the power of language can shape extraordinary worlds. Whether creating a new language from scratch or refining one in progress, this class will help turn ideas into structured, meaningful systems that bring depth and richness to your worldbuilding.
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Beginners: Start with the essentials, like core grammar and vocabulary, while discovering techniques to develop language beyond the course.
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Experienced Creators: Already have a con-lang? Explore advanced linguistic features and get actionable feedback to evolve your language into a distinctive, memorable story element.
What to Expect:
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Linguistic Possibilities: Dive into the wide spectrum of grammatical structures that make languages unique, from the familiar to the alien.
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Worldbuilding in SFF: See how con-langs can be powerful tools to draw readers into your world.
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Thinking Beyond Humanity: Explore ways to imagine communication that pushes beyond human norms—perfect for non-human characters and mystical realms.
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Balancing Clarity and Mystery: Master the art of introducing a con-lang in a way that intrigues without overwhelming the reader.
Participants will learn how to help refine and shape a constructed language that will resonate with readers and make your speculative worlds unforgettable.
Though these sessions are lecture spaces, attendees will be asked to participate via chat, voice, and/or video.
This class meets online for three 90-minute sessions.
Meeting Dates:
Tuesdays, April 22, 29, and May 5, 5:30-7 pm Pacific
No advance preparation is required, but if you have been working on a language for your worlds, come prepared to talk about it!
About the Instructor:
Frauke Uhlenbruch is a computational linguist, linguistics and foreign language instructor, translator, and all around grammar nerd. She publishes horror, science fiction, and fantasy as Anna Ziegelhof and is a member of SFWA and HWA.
This event will be held in Zoom. By registering for this class, you agree to follow the Clarion West Code of Conduct and Zoom policies.
Limited Free Seating:
We offer a percentage of seats in every class to People of the Global Majority (Asian, Black, African, Latina/o/x, Middle Eastern, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, and/or have been racialized as 'ethnic minorities') for free, regardless of financial need.
Eligible folks should complete this form to enter the lottery for free seats. If a seat is available, we will email you 7-10 days before the class begins. For more information, see our equity and inclusion policies.
Sliding Scale Pricing:
The Supporting Tuition rate is shown for each class or workshop for folks who can pay it. Paying the Supporting Tuition rate enables us to continue to pay our staff and instructors equitably, as well as support access to classes for others who may be in a different situation.
The Helping Hands rate is available to folks under more limited economic circumstances, no matter your background.
For more information, see our financial aid policies.
Our Refund Policy:
Clarion West will refund all class fees if the request is made 30 days before the class date. Refund requests made within 30 days of the class will be honored if we can fill the seat.
Any exceptions are subject to approval by our workshop staff.