Created Languages in Science Fiction

The language of science fiction has been the topic of many critical discussions, but the "alien" languages that appear in sf texts have received significantly less attention. I propose a new approach to these languages, setting up a crucial distinction between "constructed" languages (those designed for real-world use) and the "created" languages appearing in fictional texts. Utterances in created languages are polyvalent, allowing authors to communicate with readers on multiple levels; and created languages themselves have a wide variety of functions, from characterization to speculation about linguistic science. I develop the motives behind, and functions of, language creation in sf, suggesting directions for future scholarship.