The Language of Fantasy Worlds

Dothraki is a real language created for a world of complete fantasy. Linguist David Peterson invented the language specifically to add texture to the Dothraki people in HBO’s hit show, Game of Thrones. To get this linguistic dream gig, Peterson submitted a 180-page proposal that included a dictionary and recordings of all spoken Dothraki phrases. In an interview on CNN, Peterson described his process:

“Dothraki is the first [language] to really incorporate a historical aspect into the language’s creation. I kind of started with the Dothraki culture as it’s presented in the books. Who are these people? Where do they live? What kind of environment are they in? What kind of activities do they do? And little by little, I started to kind of map out a world in my head and shape a lexicon that would represent it.”

Here are a few more facts about Dothraki to help you survive until the next episode:

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