The Dothraki language from which fantasy TV series was designed by linguist David J. Peterson?

Language

After designing Dothraki for Game of Thrones, what type of venture did linguist David J. Peterson go on to build?

George R.R. Martin's Dothraki was designed by linguist David J. Peterson, who later created an entire conlang consulting business from the success.

Language

J.R.R. Tolkien spent decades developing which invented language before he began writing the stories of The Lord of the Rings?

J.R.R. Tolkien spent decades perfecting Quenya before writing The Lord of the Rings—the language came first, then the stories.

Language

Which linguist was hired by Paramount to construct the Klingon language for Star Trek and later published its official dictionary?

Klingon from Star Trek became so elaborate that linguist Marc Okrand published an official dictionary—fans now publish academic papers in it.

Language

Beyond physical postures, what broader concept did the word 'yoga' originally express in its Sanskrit origin?

English speakers say 'yoga' daily, unaware it derives from Sanskrit 'yuj' (to yoke/join), originally meaning spiritual union, not just physical poses.

Language

What does the Swedish word 'lagom,' seen by anthropologists as key to national identity, literally mean when translated into English?

Swedish "lagom" ("just right") is so culturally specific that anthropologists cite it as central to Swedish identity and work culture.

Language

Which symbol did Oxford Dictionaries name as its Word of the Year for 2015, marking the first time a pictograph won the title?

Oxford Dictionary's 2015 'Word of the Year' was 😂 (face with tears of joy)—the first time a pictograph, not a word, won globally.