If you are like me and you have watched the 100 on Netflix, you have probably noticed that the Grounders use a very particular language. In fact, this language was specifically made for the tv series and it is called Trigedasleng.
Artificial languages (or conlang) in fiction are not unusual, especially in science-fiction and fantasy. In the Lord of the Rings, there is the elf language and in Game of Thrones, there are the Dothraki and Valyrian languages. Even George Orwell in his classic 1984 couldn’t resist with Newspeak.
As far as I can remember, I’ve always had the impression that it was some secret code to crack which would reveal more about the characters who use it. As a linguist, I am fascinated by the authors’ imagination and the process involved in creating conlangs. I’ve always wanted to unravel this mystery. We will look at this in more detail in today’s post.
Case Study: Trigedasleng
Everything in a language can be either explained by logic or by the story which is another kind of logic.
Quote translated from Victor Cherbuliez ; L’aventure de Ladislas Bolski (1865)
The forest language used by Trikru, a clan in the 100, will be our example to grasp some aspects of a conlang, which really isn’t that different from a living language like French, English or Spanish.
Trigedasleng is an oral language in which no written system officially exists. Specifically, it is a slang derived from English that evolved across three generations on a post-apocalyptic Earth. The Grounders use it to communicate among themselves, and we can easily recognize the English ring to it. However, when uttered at regular speed, it is almost impossible to understand the exact meaning despite our familiarity with the sounds.
Common Vocabulary
| Heda | Commander |
| Haihefa | King |
| Gonplei | Fight |
| Seda | Teacher |
| Leidon | Goodbye |
A good place to start when looking at a language is the words people often use. Those five words that you can find in the table reveal some important aspects about the Grounders (how those outside the clan call them or exonym) or if you’d like, Wonkru (the actual name of the clan in their own language or endonym).
1. Hierarchy
Most of the words designate roles among the clan (commander, king, teacher) and those honorific titles are linked to a person’s name (Sheid-heda – Commander Sheid). They are the first words we get acquainted with and that are easy to recall because they are used all the time.
2. War
Gonplei is a word that keeps coming back for obvious reasons: the daily life of Wonkru is harsh. The presence of the Heda (commander) who can protect his clan from imminent threats is purposeful. The art of war is an important cultural aspect that speaks volumes on the new reality on Earth.
3. Usual expressions
Leidon (Goodbye) is an expression commonly used in our social interactions, which is why they incorporated it in the series. Also, isn’t that one of the first words we learn when we study a foreign language?
4. Its Use in Fiction
Common vocabulary is the best way to familiarize the audience with the language since those words can easily relate to concepts we know and people’s names. The key is to use a word with a well-defined meaning repetitively.
Expressions or proverbs
| Yu gonplei ste odon. | Your fight is over. |
| Jus drein jus daun! | Blood must have blood! |
| Ai hod yu in. | I love you. |
| Kom woda ‘so gyon op, gon woda ‘so kom daun. | From water we are born, to water we return. |
In the same vein, the characters use a few powerful expressions at every key moment of the series. For instance, when a character dies, we say: Yu gonplei ste odon (Your fight is over). This expression roots from the idea that life is a battle we must fight. It is telling in this warlike language as it highlights the harsh conditions and the long-awaited rest that valiant warriors deserve. It’s as if we had led that battle alongside the dying character, a sad reminder of the intimate relationship that we have developed over time.
1. Unifying Power
The expression Jus drein jus daun (Blood for blood) ensures that justice is served. It is usually used to justify an act of violence. It maintains order among the members of the clan who are trigger-happy. When a Grounder shouts: Jus dein jus daun. Beware! His buddies will answer his call and they will stand as one to respond with force against a common enemy.
2. Philosophy of Life
Kom woda ‘so gyon op, gon woda ‘so kom daun. (From water we are born, to water we return) stems from a similar expression that we know: You are dust and to dust you shall return. This is a glimpse of their conception of life and death. Even without a context, we can understand straight away that water bears a sacred meaning and that it has played an important role in the development of Wonkru.
3. The Power of Love
The harsh reality doesn’t prevent a budding love from blooming. From the very beginning of the series, Octavia falls for Lincoln, a Grounder. The expression Ai hod yu means I love you, but since they say it in a foreign language, it takes on an additional layer of meaning. The series does not explore the subject of love in depth, but since a foreign language contains variations on common concepts (for example, we don’t perceive colors in the same way, nor snow or water), defining love can also be different. What actions can prove your love to a member of Wonkru? It is not so much the words, but the circumstances and the acts that characterize the use of this phrase, which can hint at the local customs.
4. Its Use in Fiction
Those expressions jazz up a world in a way that long descriptions could not. They can convey a notion in few words (life, death, love, justice), and also give meaning to the characters’ actions. Rereading or rewatching a series while understanding this language can help us uncover a hidden side of the characters that use it and of the society in which they live.
Context Is King
Those who want to speak with shall learn my language.
Quote translated from Rémy de Gourmont ; Les réflexions sur la vie (1895-1898)
We’ve seen a few words and expressions in the 100, and yet, we can already see how much this artificial language is rich although we don’t speak it fluently. A conlang is thus a unique and powerful tool to soak ourselves in another world. However, we don’t read or watch a series to learn a conlang but to get a rough understanding of the world in which the story is set. Some situations can be more revealing than others.
1. Learning the Language
Octavia is the first to learn to speak Trigedasleng thanks to Lincoln, who is a native speaker. They get to understand each other and create a strong bond. Moreover, Octavia becomes an interpreter for her own group of foreigners who crashed on Earth, which turns out to be lifesaving. Her knowledge of the language has invaluable benefits for them, while allowing them to acknowledge their similarities and differences.
2. A Tool for Negotiation
When Lincoln’s life is in jeopardy, Octavia can negotiate to save him because she can speak Trigedasleng. It is realistic and revealing on the power of knowing a common language. This can make the difference between life and death.
I have lived in Asia for several years and I know that local people always respect foreigners who learn the local language. Not only does it facilitate communication, but it also shows that you are sincere.
3. Strategizing
As we already know, Wonkru is a warlike people and they must deal with various natural threats along with other rebellious clans. When comes the time to plan an attack or a defensive strategy, they do it in the local language. It is a moment high in emotion, unifying and crucial; they need to think fast because losing is not an option.
4. Trivial Chatter
Daily conversations are an excellent opportunity to use a conlang, but not as much as we could think. That is because the audience will most likely need subtitles and a translation to follow. Sometimes, a message would get across better in a language everybody understands (i.e. English). A roundabout way is to use the conlang at the beginning and to switch to English to give a sense of newness without going overboard either.
5. Hymn
During one of the important summit between the clans, we can hear a complete hymn. Hymns are a vehicle of culture and it can make a conlang shine in all its beauty. It works even better in a tv series or a media that handles audio so we can hear singing, the melody and the language making one, an expression of the local culture. Words on paper, however, can seem dull.
6. Its Use in Fiction
Those different contexts show us how powerful a language can be, how its people use it, and why. A language is a communication tool to convey one’s intentions, emotions and more!
Yes, You Can Learn to Speak Trigedasleng!
David J. Peterson is the linguist who created this conlang from scratch for the series. He invented this language along with all the aspects of a living language: a sound system, an extensive vocabulary and a full grammar. This means it is possible to speak Trigedasleng! Many fans online have been having a great time learning it. Will you try it?
This was only an overview of all the information a conlang can hide in a fictional world. I hope you will have a better appreciation of its use and you will discover unexpected things about your favorite worlds and characters. If this is a topic you are interested in, I can write more posts about it. Do not hesitate to send any questions or suggestions you may have.
Leidon!
David M. Snow
References: David J. Peterson
- The linguist who created Trigedasleng, David J. Peterson: https://artoflanguageinvention.com
- Resource to learn Trigedasleng : https://the100.fandom.com/wiki/Trigedasleng
