The Conlanger’s Lexipedia

The Conlanger’s Lexipedia by Mark Rosenfelder, published by Yonagu Books in 2013, is a comprehensive guide designed for those interested in creating lexicons for constructed languages. This 422-page edition provides essential insights into etymology, offering thousands of examples from various languages to inspire word creation. It addresses common pitfalls, such as relying too heavily on one’s native language, and presents strategies to develop a unique lexicon.
Readers will find a wealth of information on the foundational aspects of word creation, including categories, metaphors, and derivation techniques. The Lexipedia also features a curated list of 1,500 words frequently used in fantasy and science fiction, organized by their occurrence. Additionally, it provides relevant knowledge in areas like biology, physics, and human cultures to aid in the crafting of a rich vocabulary. While primarily aimed at conlangers, this book is also suitable for anyone with a keen interest in language and word formation.
Official synopsis Publisher
The Language Construction Kit and Advanced Language Construction explained how to create grammars for constructed languages. But after creating a grammar, there’s the 800-pound gorilla of the lexicon to deal with. This book gives you everything you need to know to create words. The first stop is etymology: it contains thousands of etymologies from a wide variety of languages. Borrow them or let them spark your own ideas! It’s easy to let the lexicon be a coded version of your native language. The Lexipedia contains tips on how to avoid this, including plenty of fascinating examples from non-English languages. You want to know which words to create first. The Lexipedia includes the 1500 words most commonly found in fantasy and science fiction, sorted by frequency. Many parts of the lexicon require real-world knowledge to handle. The Lexipedia contains just enough information on biology, physics, and human cultures to help you out. Plus, there’s a discussion of the basic tools of the word creator: categories, metaphors, and derivation. Though aimed at conlangers, the Lexipedia will be instructive and entertaining for anyone who’s interested in words.
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