Tantalizing Fragments of a Larger Linguistic Tapestry: Exploring Nala Lambë, Mago/Magol, and the Dunlendish Languages in Tolkien's World-Building

I have just posted to the open access Journal of Tolkien Research my conference paper in which I pluck three leaves from my current research on Tolkien’s Tree of Middle-earth language invention - – Nala Lambë, Mago/Magol, and Dunlendish (also known as the Dunland Tongue). These lesser-known languages, despite their incomplete nature or "orphaned" status, underscore Tolkien's unwavering commitment to linguistic realism and the integral role of language in his sub-creation and world-building. They exist as both individual enigmatic leafs as well part of much larger tree of Tolkien’s linguistic world-building.

Higgins, Andrew (2025) "Tantalizing Fragments of a Larger Linguistic Tapestry: Exploring Nala Lambë, Mago/Magol, and the Dunlendish Languages in Tolkien's World-Building," Journal of Tolkien Research: Vol. 22: Iss. 1, Article 9.
Available at: https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol22/iss1/9

I first gave this paper at the Tolkien at Kalamazoo Medieval Conference this May and then again this month at the Tolkien at Leeds International Medieval Conference. Me giving the paper at Leeds here:

This issue of JTR also have conference papers from some excellent Tolkien academic colleagues who presented at the conference including Dr. Kristine Larsen, Sara Brown and Ali Mirzabayati

There is more work afoot on these and other of Tolkien’s more enigmatic invented languages so stay turned!

Namarië for Now!