Actually, Klingon IS a real language, created by a linguist, with a logical set of rules. Many major works of Earth literature have been or are being translated into Klingon, including Hamlet and the Bible.

I think with fandon becoming as ... well, intense as it has become in recent years, people in the entertainment industry are putting in the time to get the cultures and languages of alien species at least mostly consistent -- like Earth is "mostly harmless," according to the Hitchhiker's Guide. *grins*

AINTWE JUST

"Some people juggle geese!"

Really? I thought the Klingon language was made up by people who knew a lot about linguistics, too. Heh. Shows you how much of a Trekkie I am. :P

Tolkien is at least halfway believeable. He had a big basis in linguistics, but Star Trek and stuff was just all over the place!

Gosh, I'm so late to the party. I feel totally out of it, replying to you after a couple of weeks, but I found this interesting.

I've been reading books and articles on writing lately, since I'm getting more and more into writing. The point you bring up of bizarre alien names and made-up words is something I've come across a few times. It's something you see in both Sci-fi and fantasy novels. In the books and articles I've read, the advice is generally 'don't do it'. Or if you must do it, do it sparingly.

I think that Tolkien and Star Trek are responsible for the trend, since both of them have alien creatures and made-up languages. But one thing that most people don't consider is that Tolkien (and I suspect the people who made up the Klingon language) was a linguist and knew what he was doing when he created the elven tongue. A lot of people don't have that kind of skill or knowledge and end up doing a really half-assed job of it. The odd word here or there can add interest, but if it's used too much can get irritating. And, I don't know why this is, but alien names usually seem to have an excess of apostrophes and the letters x and z. They look like they were created by one of those name generating programs used by gamers. (Although I have to admit I've used those programs too, but *carefully*).

Hey, hey, wait! I didn't say I hated the book. I am liking it. I just can't stand when an author uses a device and then leaves it a total mystery or has no clear logic for it! :( Don't sulk!

*meep* Sorry you were disappointed with it! *sulks*

Actually I meant Stargate SG-1, I like all those species better then the Wraith. Sorry for the mix up.

some aliens can be fun. I personally really like the whole story line in Stargate Atlantis. But Firefly is great in the sense that its just peoepl. And I do understand what you are talking about, its very justified lol. :)