Monster Language

Abstract

Human characteristics are attributed to many legendary creatures, and as part of this anthropomorphization they often have language abilities. Fairies, elves, gnomes, goblins, and genies of folklore speak human languages, usually in addition to their own tongues. Many fiction writers have created artificial languages and writing systems for these creatures, including J. R. R. Tolkien’s Elvish languages and Eoin Colfer’s Gnommish fairy script. As for the undead, vampires retain the language skills they had when they were still alive. Zombies are no longer great conversationalists but they can still mutter “brains!”. In popular paranormal theory, ghosts and spirits can communicate with the living, although they often require a medium or a device designed to contact the dead.