About the Klingon Language Institute

Founded in 1992, the Klingon Language Institute continues its mission of bringing together individuals interested in the study of Klingon linguistics and culture, and providing a forum for discussion and the exchange of ideas.

Klingon may sound (intentionally) alien, but it is a complete language with its own vocabulary, grammar, and usage. Several factors explain the popularity of the warrior’s tongue. While there have been other artificial languages, and other languages crafted for fictional beings, Klingon is one of the rare times when a trained linguist has been called upon to create a language for aliens. Additionally, one must consider 30 years of the Star Trek phenomenon, a mythos that has permeated popular culture and spread around the globe.

Members are diverse, including Star Trek fans with curiosity and questions about the Klingon language, RP gamers wishing to lend some authenticity to a Klingon character, and students and professionals in the fields of linguistics, philology, computer science, and psychology who see the Klingon language as a useful metaphor in the classroom or simply wish to mix vocation with avocation. Though based in the USA, the Institute is actually an international endeavor, presently reaching 30 countries on all seven continents.

The place to begin studying the Klingon language is Marc Okrand's The Klingon Dictionary published by Pocket Books (ISBN 0-671-74559-X). Dr. Okrand invented the language for Paramount Studios and has been a consultant on several Star Trek films and for episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Other sources for consideration include Conversational Klingon (ISBN 0-671-79739-5) and Power Klingon (ISBN 0-671-87975-8). Two audio cassettes (also by Marc Okrand, with narration by Michael Dorn) can assist in learning the sounds of Klingon and provide useful phrases.

The main vehicle of the Klingon Language Institute is HolQeD, a quarterly journal. Each issue includes artwork, feature articles, and regular columns discussing Klingon linguistics, language, and culture. Member letters and replies support an atmosphere of mutual respect and open discussion. More than simply a newsletter, HolQeD is an academic journal utilizing blind peer review. It is registered with the Library of Congress, and catalogued by the Modern Language Association.

For more information about the Klingon Language Institute, please visit www.kli.org.