Verdurian
From Langmaker
| Conlang | Verdurian |
| Author | Mark Rosenfelder |
| Year Began | 1978 |
| Language Type | fictional diachronic language |
| Lexicon Size | 5500 |
| Etymologies | Yes |
| Grammar | Yes |
| Sample Texts | Yes |
| Primer | Yes |
Verdurian is the language of Verduria, a country of Almea. It was designed by Mark Rosenfelder. It is written with a unique script, the Verdurian alphabet.
Uniqueness
Not only does it have a large vocabulary (over 5,500 words) and a linguistically informed grammar, Verdurian also has a fully worked-out family tree, going back two levels: to its ancestor, Cadhinor, and to its ultimate origin, Proto-Eastern, with sister languages at both levels. It is naturalistic, with irregularities, sound changes, dialect differences, and interesting etymologies, giving it great appeal to others. Finally, it's only one part of a complex created world, with its own biology, history, and belief systems.
Language sources
Tolkien was (of course) the inspiration for this naturalistic subcreation. It's purposely reminiscent of Indo-European languages-- the original intention was to create something that would sound vaguely familiar to English speakers. It borrows a fair amount (but not exclusively) from Russian vocabulary and French grammar.
Interest of others
Hard to say, but it does have admirers and even learners. See the Verdurian Embassy page.
Sample translation
Ac esce řo e niš ak gintrovelecán? cuesnai.
but is-it-that isn't zero against sash-stealer? ask-past-I
"But can nothing be done against a usurper?" I asked.
