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What is the most appropriate term for a non-natural language created for a fictional work?

Many fictional works include invented languages.Different labels appear across linguistics and literary studies.I want to know which term is academically preferred.

 

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By Manoj Answered 6 months ago

From my experience across linguistics and literary studies, “constructed language” or “conlang” is the most widely accepted term. I have seen it used consistently to distinguish invented systems from natural languages. I would recommend this terminology because it covers everything from fully developed grammars to partial narrative languages. In literary contexts, it also signals intentional design rather than mere stylistic play.

 

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