Bíi ril thad óotha demedi be (writing a window to the soul) : Suzette Haden Elgin and the path to a constructed language.

Abstract

Writers in the genre of science fiction often use their novels to explore our understanding of society by creating scenes outside the normal plan of existence in futuristic or parallel worlds. Since language is the ultimate reflection of society, it is understandable that some in the genre would create languages for their characters to encounter or use. Many of these authors find ways to avoid language construction completely by maintaining surroundings that promote the use of English. Others use only portions of the language construction principles to create their language environments. However, Suzette Haden Elgin, author of the Native Tongue series, fully embraced language construction by building upon the work of other science fiction writers to create LaMan, a women's language based upon linguistically sound principles.