Worldbuilding and Linguistics

[ellenmillion]

Language is a topic I'm rather weak on, and I'd love a little input from you folks who know a lot more than I do.

Specifically, there are two imaginary cultures that have been separated for some time. One of them has advanced ~1500 years from that time, the other only about 250 years. My premise is that people from these cultures would be able to communicate with each other, with some effort. I assume there would be some pronunciation shift, and lots of new words that have come about due to specialization and technology... but that with some patience, they would be able to speak with each other. Do you see flaws with that idea? How pronounced would you imagine the differences would be? I imagine something like comparing North American English to thick Brittish Cockney.

The base language would not be English or earth-based, but I had no real intension of developing the language. I'm not a linguist, and I like to play to my strengths. Is this a mistake, in your opinion? Does the addition of made-up words enhance the illusion of a made-up culture? Is it critical, optional, or unnecessary? (Personally, I find that the way most writers use non-English words tends to drag down a story and overwhelm the flow; I prefer a very light touch with language sprinkles.)

In a related topic, I would love to recruit a beta reader or two - someone(s) willing to critique firmly and knowledgeably on some world-building topics, short stories, scripts and overall concepts.

I am willing to return time spent in kind - I can give critiques on fiction, non-fiction or artwork, do artwork for you, or offer various products/prints/originals - whatever you'd prefer. (Plus, you get a sneak look at my [not-so-]sekrit project while it's developing!)

Comments

[padparadscha.livejournal.com]

Thankee! For the hiring and for the congratulations. (Granted, the latter means that it's gonna be a hectic weekend, so if you're looking for beta reading in, say, the next week or so, you'll be SOL with me. But AFTER that ...)

Do you need an e-mail address, or is LJ good enough?

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

I'll probably set up an LJ filter, and definitely no rush - this thing isn't set to release until 2010 and I've got PLENTY of other work to do on it, too.