Westron – Chatting like in Middle Earth

It is well known that all sorts of magical languages are spoken in Middle Earth. But often the most common language is shamefully neglected, namely Westron!

What is this common language all about, and how exactly do the hobbits, humans, elves, and orcs of Middle-earth use it? In order to do justice to J.R.R. Tolkien’s passion for language, translator Margaret Carroux has used some etymological tricks in the German translation of The Lord of the Rings to reproduce the spoken Westron (or rather its English translation). And in doing so, she created a style all her own that continues to shape our idea of spoken language in Middle Earth to this day.

Westron – Chatting like in Middle Earth – a lecture by Stefan Servos about the fine details in the translation of the conversations and how these have influenced the dialogues of the cinematic adaptations by Peter Jackson and Co.