The Klingon Dictionary: The Official Guide to Klingon Words and Phrases

by Marc Okrand

Book Overview

The Klingon Dictionary is the first comprehensive sourcebook for Klingon language and syntax, including fundamental rules of grammar as well as words and expressions that illustrate the complex nature of Klingon culture. It features a precise pronunciation guide, rules for proper use of affixes and suffixes, and a small phrasebook with Klingon translations for essential expressions such as "Activate the transport beam," "Always trust your instincts,"...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 067174559X
• ISBN13: 9780671745592
• Release Date: October 1990
• Publisher: Star Trek
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Very interesting book

This is a very interesting and useful book for anyone interested in the Klingon language.

Qapla'

Absolutely great book. The sheer thought put into the grammar and syntax of this language inspires me. I recomend it to anyone who likes languages and/or Star Trek.Qapla'

Gives the Nuts and Bolts

This book does not just teach a few phrases in Klingon, it gives readers the nuts and bolts of the language. Don't be fooled, Klingon is a real language. Many language programs just teach a few phrases and skip over the fundamental aspects of the language. This book uses grammatical terminology that makes it easy to put together your own sentances accurately. At the end of the book you will find a section devoted to common phrases making it easy to put together the new ideas. Also, a highly detailed sketch of pronounciation is given. If you want to learn Klingon, this is a must. Qapla' !

Entertaining challenge for linguophiles

Though the insistence that there really are Klingons might be off-putting to some linguophiles, the work put into developing this OVS artlang justifies a read of the book. Like many initial grammars, there are words and issues of syntax which are overlooked. Yet, the material in this book renders the language usable, especially when coupled with Klingon for the Galactic Traveler (also by Marc Orkand), and can be an entertaining challenge.

In Space, all warriors are Cold Warriors

loghDaq Suvrupbogh SuvwI'pu' chaH Hoch SuvwI'pu''e'... Learning a new language may be daunting, but what Klingon warrior does not appreciate a challenge? Marc Okrand is the professional linguist who designed the language of the most popular of Star Trek alien species. Far from meaningless grunting and growling, the klingo-lingo termed "tlhIngan Hol" possesses a rich vocabulary and brilliantly conceived grammatical structure. It is an actual language, ironically considered the fastest-growing on earth. Despite its conciseness, it takes effort to learn the complex syntax and rasping, guttural pronunciation. This is why the majority of its fluent speakers are serious students of linguistics, rather than sci-fi fans. Besides the basic "Klingon Dictionary", Okrand has published two other related books, "The Klingon Way" and "Klingon for the Galactic Traveler", as well as two instructional tapes. These materials provide a remarkably thorough course of study. Upon completion, klinguists are able to converse about practically anything -- although it is especially helpful if the topic relates to war or honor!

A fun and challenging pasttime

I'm rather new to tlhIngan (Klingon) Hol (language). This book is the first and most important reference for the language. The book not only has a collection of words, but a detailed discussion of the the grammar of the language. Intricate and challenging, learning tlhIngan Hol is a great intellectual passtime.