Description
Michael Chorost is looking for a conlanger interested in non-naturalistic languages to create an alien language to be used in a science fiction novel. The aliens are social insect colonies, in which the “body” of each colony is a 100-meter polyhedron filled with billions of larvae that have evolved to act like neurons, while the “hands” are parasitised mammals. The medium of their language is auditory holograms. The human protagonists have to ask this species for help in solving a problem on Earth. Of course, the aliens have a very different experience of space and time than we do, which makes communication with them extremely difficult. The plot revolves around the humans struggling to learn the language well enough to ask for their help.
The language does not have to be extremely elaborate, but it should be enough to give verisimilitude to the humans’ struggles to learn the aliens’ language, and to be concrete about how the negotiation develops over the course of the novel.
Employer
Michael Chorost. Click on the link for more information about the author.
Application Period
Closed due to job filled
Term
There is no specific deadline—the novel is a work in progress.
Compensation
Compensation is $300, but a higher amount can be negotiated. Payment will happen in two instalments (half up front, half upon completion).
Besides compensation, the language creator will be fully credited for their work.
To Apply
Email Michael Chorost at – “at” – “dot” – to express your interest in the project. Please include qualifications and samples of previous work.
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