Ideas worth spreading

Why language is humanity's greatest invention

1,674,183 views | David Peterson • TEDxBerkeley

Civilization rests upon the existence of language, says language creator David Peterson. In a talk that's equal parts passionate and hilarious, he shows how studying, preserving and inventing new languages helps us understand our collective humanity -- and gives a quick lesson on High Valyrian, one of two languages he created for "Game of Thrones" (along with Dothraki). "Language is not merely a tool," he says. "It is our legacy, it's our way of conveying what it means to be human."

Civilization rests upon the existence of language, says language creator David Peterson. In a talk that's equal parts passionate and hilarious, he shows how studying, preserving and inventing new languages helps us understand our collective humanity -- and gives a quick lesson on High Valyrian, one of two languages he created for "Game of Thrones" (along with Dothraki). "Language is not merely a tool," he says. "It is our legacy, it's our way of conveying what it means to be human."

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBerkeley, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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About the speaker

David Peterson

Language creator, writer, artist

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David Peterson creates languages for television shows, for films and for fun.

UNESCO, 2019 | Explore

"The International Year of Indigenous Languages"

This year is the Year of Indigenous Languages. This year is a good a year as any to ask yourself was the dominant language in your area always dominant? What other languages have been lost over the years — and, importantly, which are still there and could benefit from recognition and support?

David J. Peterson, | Penguin Books, 2015 | Book

The Art of Language Invention: From Horse-Lords to Dark Elves, the Words Behind World-Building

If you want to delve into the world of conlanging (or created languages), this book is a good place to start.

George Lakoff and Mark Johnson | University of Chicago Press, 2003 | Book

Metaphors We Live By

Almost 40 years later, this book continues to be a foundational work. Short, highly readable, and easy to follow even for a non-specialist, Lakoff and Johnson illustrate exactly why metaphor is not a mere matter of words, but underpins how humans use language and see the world.

Duolingo | Explore

Learn High Valyrian on Duolingo

If you'd like to see if there's anything a created language no one speaks can teach you, you can give it a shot at Duolingo.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBerkeley, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Get involved in the International Year of Indigenous Languages