World-Building Questionnaire: Language and Communication

World-building questionnaires are vital for fleshing out a fictional world. A well-developed world adds depth and authenticity, making the story more engaging for readers. Even historical fiction authors must consider linguistic influences, especially as they impact worldview and personal values. This involves understanding dialects, sociolects, and historical language changes within the context of the setting.

In speculative fiction, authors may need to do a deeper dive to flesh out their world's languages. Approaches vary widely. Some authors use a simple method, stating the language characters are speaking and perhaps describing its linguistic or auditory qualities. Others, like Tolkien, create complex languages with their own grammar, vocabulary, and script for different species or cultures. The approach you choose depends on how integral the language is to the story and the world-building.

Languages and Dialects

1. Which languages are spoken in your world?
2. Are there distinct dialects or regional variations of these languages?
3. How did these languages develop and spread?
4. What are the relationships between different languages (influences, borrowings)?
5. Are there any extinct or ancient languages still studied or used?

Language and Identity

6. How does language reflect cultural or social identity?
7. Are there language-based prejudices or hierarchies?
8. How do characters' language choices reflect their backgrounds or social status?
9. Are there any secret or coded languages?
10. How do language barriers or fluency impact relationships and communication between characters?

Communication Methods

11. What methods of communication are used (spoken, written, sign language)?
12. How do people communicate over long distances (messengers, telegraphs, magic)?
13. How does body language in your world differ from what readers may be familiar with, and how does it reflect cultural or societal norms?
14. Are there any unique communication technologies or magical means of communication?
15. How is communication influenced by culture and technology?

Written Language

16. Which writing systems are used in your world (alphabets, logograms)?
17. How widespread is literacy, and how does it vary across different social classes or regions?
18. Which materials and tools are used for writing?
19. Are there significant texts or literature (religious, historical, fictional)?
20. How is written language taught and preserved?

Language Evolution

21. How has language changed over time in your world?
22. What factors have influenced language evolution (migration, conquest, trade)?
23. Are there any efforts to preserve endangered languages?
24. How do new languages or dialects or creoles form?
25. What role do scholars or linguists play in studying language?

Creating Fictional Languages

26. What approach will you take to creating languages for your world?
27. How detailed will your language creation be (basic phrases, full grammar)?
28. What linguistic features will you include (sounds, structure, vocabulary)?
29. How will you introduce and explain fictional languages in your story?
30. How do different languages interact within your world? 

A world-building questionnaire helps you unearth details that may not appear directly in your story. However, having these details in your mind will make your world more authentic and vibrant.

Jump to another world-building questionnaire:

• Geography and Environment
• Government and Politics
• Economy and Trade
• Daily Life and Customs
• Religion and Belief Systems
• History and Lore
• Language and Communication
• Technology and Magic

David Griffin Brown is an award-winning short fiction writer and co-author of Immersion and Emotion: The Two Pillars of Storytelling. He holds a BA in anthropology from UVic and an MFA in creative writing from UBC, and his writing has been published in literary magazines such as the Malahat Review and Grain. In 2022, he was the recipient of a New Artist grant from the Canada Council for the Arts. David founded Darling Axe Editing in 2018, and as part of his Book Broker interview series, he has compiled querying advice from over 100 literary agents. He lives in Victoria, Canada, on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.