High Valyrian Is A Real Language?

Introduction

In the world of "A Song of Ice and Fire," the Valyrian language plays a significant role, particularly among dragon riders who use it to communicate with one another and issue commands to their dragons. Surprisingly, High Valyrian is not just a collection of random words; rather, it is a fully-fledged constructed language created by linguist David J. Peterson for the HBO television series "Game of Thrones."

Although the original books by George R.R. Martin included only a few lines of Valyrian, the TV adaptation provided an opportunity for Peterson to develop the language further. High Valyrian is intricately designed, featuring various linguistic elements such as gender classes, four grammatical numbers, eight noun cases, and conjugated verbs. This complexity sets it apart from many other fictional languages, establishing it as a legitimate tongue with its unique grammar rules.

While High Valyrian is primarily spoken by the nobility, particularly within the Targaryen household, it shares this level of depth with another language featured in the series: Dothraki. The creation of these languages reflects the commitment to world-building in the series and offers fans the opportunity to engage with the content on a deeper level.

If you’re intrigued by High Valyrian, you can even learn the language for yourself. There is a free course available on Duolingo that allows learners to delve into the intricacies of this fantasy language. The idea that fans can gain proficiency in a language that exists within a fictional universe is fascinating and highlights the extensive work that went into creating the lore of "Game of Thrones."

Keywords

High Valyrian, language, A Song of Ice and Fire, dragon riders, David J. Peterson, constructed language, HBO, Game of Thrones, gender classes, grammatical numbers, noun cases, conjugated verbs, Dothraki, Duolingo.

FAQ

1. What is High Valyrian?
High Valyrian is a constructed language featured in "A Song of Ice and Fire" and the TV series "Game of Thrones," created by linguist David J. Peterson.

2. Who developed High Valyrian?
David J. Peterson constructed High Valyrian specifically for the "Game of Thrones" television series, expanding upon its limited use in the original books.

3. Is High Valyrian a legitimate language?
Yes, High Valyrian has a complex structure that includes gender classes, grammatical numbers, noun cases, and conjugated verbs, making it a fully-fledged language system.

4. Where can I learn High Valyrian?
You can learn High Valyrian through a free course available on Duolingo.

5. Are there other languages in "Game of Thrones"?
Yes, Dothraki is another constructed language in "Game of Thrones," also developed by David J. Peterson.