'Game Of Thrones' Language Creator Coming To Rider

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — The man behind the languages used in HBO’s “Game of Thrones” is coming to Rider University. This is the linguist that came up with the multiple languages used on the show. Unhappy fans should not hold him accountable for the way the show ended.

David J. Peterson constructed both the Dothraki and Valyrian languages that were featured prominently throughout the eight-season series based on George R.R. Martin's series of fantasy novels. He also built Shivaisith for Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World,” although he can't be held accountable for that movie, either.

What he will do is offer a behind-the scenes look at how he built all three languages during “The Art of Language Invention” on Thursday, Nov. 14, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Theater in the Bart Luedeke Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Peterson will offer a captivating overview of language creation, from Tolkien’s creations and Klingon to today’s thriving global community of language constructors, who are sometimes called conlangers.

He will present the essential tools necessary for inventing and evolving new languages, using examples from a variety of languages including his creations, punctuated with references to everything from “Star Wars” to Michael Jackson.

Dr. Maria Villalobos-Buehner is the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures Chair and an associate professor of Spanish.

"Peterson’s presentation shines a light on the creative and transformative power of language learning," Villalobos-Buehner said.

Peterson has also worked as a language creator on numerous television shows and films, including Syfy’s “Defiance” and “Dominion,” the CW’s “The 100” and “Star-Crossed,” Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful,” the upcoming “Emerald City” on NBC, and “The Shannara Chronicles” on MTV. In 2014, he published “Living Language Dothraki,” a best-selling guide to the Dothraki language. His newest nonfiction work is “The Art of Language Invention” from Penguin Books.

Peterson has a background in academic linguistics, having earned a bachelor’s in English and linguistics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s in linguistics from the University of California, San Diego. He is a co-founder and original board member of the Language Creation Society, and he served as its president from 2011 to 2014.

“The Art of Language Invention” is co-sponsored by the Division of Academic Affairs; the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; the College of Education and Human Services; the Center for International Education; the Center for Diversity and Inclusion; the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures; and the Department of Communication and Journalism.