Hundreds of thousands are learning a language that no one speaks… What’s the reason?
The growing interest of hundreds of thousands of people in learning the fictional language “Valyrian,” which “no one speaks,” raises questions about the extent to which the impact of such a fictional series that introduced this language can reach, benefiting from psychological and social needs among its followers.
The language featured in the series “Game of Thrones” sparked speculation about whether this constitutes detachment from reality or simply a strong admiration for the show.
A sociologist, in response to this question, analyzes from his perspective what drives a person to learn a language that they are not expected to benefit from or use in their daily lives.
The discussion about “Valyrian” language originated from George R.R. Martin’s novels “A Song of Ice and Fire,” which the series “Game of Thrones” was adapted from. The linguistic scholar David J. Peterson created a broader language using Martin’s vocabulary.
This language is spoken by the rulers of the fictional dragon-taming empire in the novels. It first appeared in 2012 during the third season of the show, and the first language course for learning it was launched on the “Duolingo” app in 2017. Estimates vary between half a million and 1.25 million people learning it.
Dr. Saeed Saadiq, a sociology professor, links the success of “Game of Thrones” to the interest in learning this language, especially among young people, due to psychological, social, and even functional reasons, including:
There is an audience fascinated by the show’s characters and the language they speak, so they try to immortalize its events by learning this language, considering it a cultural integration with its world.
Some fans of the series believe that learning this language helps them better understand and discuss it with their friends.
These aspects attract those who have a lot of free time, which is why it’s not surprising that teenagers, in particular, are attracted to learning the language, despite its fictional nature.
Language enthusiasts also have their share in learning this language, as they see it as a personal challenge to acquire a new skill.
The unique grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation present in the “Valyrian” language can be intriguing for those who want to expand their linguistic abilities.
The desire to feel a sense of belonging among the passionate audience of the series leads some people to learn the language as a common factor they can interact with, especially with the presence of forums and groups on social media platforms that facilitate their meeting across countries and practicing the language, and even organizing local gatherings.
Language learners believe that learning a unique new language enhances their chances of finding job opportunities, particularly in fields related to translation, dubbing, and voice acting for similar productions.
Saadiq emphasizes that “if you are not a fan of the series, you will not be interested in learning its languages or even acknowledge the existence of people attempting to learn those fictional languages.”
The epic series garnered record-breaking viewership worldwide, making it eligible for and winning numerous international awards such as the Emmy and Golden Globe Awards.
