Re: CHAT: Profile of a Conlanger

Concerning how I came to do conlanging and why:

I was originally inspired by Zamenhof.  I thought if he could create a
language as a young man so could I!  I had from an early age (12yrs) been
interested in natlangs (mostly Russian and French).  When I learned Esperanto
I tried a couple of times to create my own language without success.  Then,
through the net I discovered that many others had done the same.  Nothing
much impressed me though until I came across Tony Harris' ALURIC.  I got
re-inspired and figured that I COULD create a language after all.  So I
gathered up all my old disparate notes and got to it.

I began to find that I felt more like I was "discovering" a language than
"creating" it.  I must admit that Russian, Latin, Greek, and Esperanto
influenced me heavily.  Although I am no longer active in the IAL movement I
still find Esperanto to be a beautiful language in its own right.

Out of all of this the DRUNI language was born in August 1997.  Then I
discover the Conlang list and although I am not an accomplished linguist and
do not often contribute to the list, I have enjoyed monitoring the various
conversations (those I could follow anyway!).

Recently, I have rediscovered Tolkien.  I have always been a fan of his
writing...  love his English style, but never payed much attention to his
conlanging until now.  I find it fascinating.

Jim H
ta Druntan