The Dothraki language is one of the most striking and memorable aspects of the wildly popular television series “Game of Thrones,” based on George R. R. Martin‘s book series “A Song of Ice and Fire.” The language, spoken by the nomadic Dothraki people in the world of Westeros, adds a level of authenticity and depth to the show’s universe. In this article, we will explore the origins of the Dothraki language, the underlying inspirations for its creation, and the linguist who brought it to life.
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Creation of the Dothraki Language
While George R. R. Martin included some basic words and phrases for the Dothraki language in his books, the fully developed language heard in the TV series was crafted primarily by linguist David J. Peterson. Peterson was chosen to create the language after winning a competition organized by the Language Creation Society and the show’s producers.
Drawing inspiration from Martin’s original text, Peterson developed a rich and complex language, complete with grammar rules and an extensive vocabulary. The result is a fully-functional and immersive linguistic system that viewers and fans can learn and use to communicate with one another.
Influences and Inspirations
When creating the Dothraki language, Peterson looked to various real-world languages. Some notable influences include Turkish, Russian, Swahili, and Estonian, though he also took inspiration from many other sources to craft a unique and distinct language. The process of language creation for “Game of Thrones” involved researching these various languages and adapting their sounds, structures, and grammatical rules to construct a cohesive and believable fictional language.
Moreover, Dothraki culture played a significant role in shaping the language. The nomadic, warrior lifestyle of the Dothraki people influenced vocabulary choices and language structure. For instance, Dothraki has a more extensive vocabulary related to horses and warfare, reflecting their cultural priorities and customs.
Legacy and Impact
The creation of the Dothraki language showcases the incredible attention to detail that went into making “Game of Thrones” a sweeping epic. Through David J. Peterson’s ingenuity and dedication, the Dothraki language has transcended its television origins, becoming a legitimate linguistic achievement in its own right. Fans of the show can even study and learn the language through various online resources, further solidifying the impact and legacy of “Game of Thrones” and the Dothraki language in the world of fiction and linguistics.
