Conlanging can be overwhelming for even the most experienced conlangers—especially in the beginning stages of a new project when swirling swarms of ideas create a flurry of possibilities. I break the process down into daily prompts for a yearlong experience. One year, one conlang. Join me in making this a Conlang Year!
Goal: Write a section on adverbs Note: Include spatial, temporal, manner, and degree/discourse adverbs. Tip: Show how they are used and, where needed, how they are formed. Work focus: Solidify/Write/Share Now that you have done a lot of work on adverbs, it’s time to document their forms. Remember to include information on all the kinds…
Goal: Create degree and discourse adverbs Note: Or create the strategies you will use in lieu of adverbs. Tip: These adverbs may be reduced forms of expressions. Work focus: Create/Make/List Today’s goal is to create more adverbs! Create a sampling of degree- and discourse-marking adverbs (or create strategies to show how your language might communicate…
Goal: Explore options for adverb modifiers Note: Especially focus on degree- and discourse-marking adverbs. Tip: These forms include concepts like “too, very, just, so, also.” Work focus: Learn/Brainstorm/Try Today’s goal extends the focus on creating adverbs in your conlang. Explore options for adverb modifiers, some of which may be basic forms. Specifically, focus on the…
Goal: Create forms of “non-basic” adverbs Note: These forms may be derived, compounded, or periphrastic. Tip: Create enough examples to demonstrate patterns. Work focus: Create/Make/List Today’s focus is on creating examples of adverb (or adverb-like words) that are not basic. In other words, forms that are derived, compounded, or periphrastic. Create enough forms to demonstrate…
Goal: Create forms for basic adverbs Note: These will most likely be temporal and spatial adverbs. Tip: It’s okay if you only have a handful of forms at this point. Work focus: Create/Make/List Today’s focus is to create word forms for basic adverbs in your language. As a reminder, the adverbs that are most likely…
Goal: Make a plan for adverbs in your conlang Note: Include ideas for basic roots but also for more complex forms. Tip: You may be strategizing adverb-like elements. Work focus: Organize/Plan/Structure Organize your brainstorming notes from the past few days and make a plan for adverbs in your conlang. Make sure you think about what…
Goal: Explore options for manner adverbs Note: Consider if you will derive adverbs or use other strategies, like adposition phrases. Tip: Placement may determine if a word is an adjective or adverb. Work focus: Learn/Brainstorm/Try Many manner adverbs are not basic roots. They are often compounded or derived forms, or they may even be best…
Goal: Brainstorm ideas for temporal adverbs Note: Start with ideas for basic roots, like words for “now” and “then.” Tip: Consider how these will work with your T/A system. Work focus: Learn/Brainstorm/Try Continue your adverbial brainstorming by turning your attention to temporal adverbs, starting with ideas for basic roots. Common basic temporal adverbs include “now”…
Goal: Consider possibilities for spatial adverbs Note: Start with the most basic forms like “here” and “there.” Tip: Some forms might be compounded or derived. Work focus: Learn/Brainstorm/Try Today the focus shifts to adverbs! Consider possibilities for spatial adverbs in your language, starting with basic forms like “here” and “there.” Some adverbs might be compounded…
Goal: Make a chart for your numbers Note: Add enough entries to highlight number forms, including compound forms. Tip: Enter any unique roots in the dictionary. Work focus: Solidify/Write/Share Expand your number section in your language document by making a table/chart for your numbers. Add enough entries to highlight all your number forms, including a…
