A New Language

There are just a few "made up" languages that are still totally usable and that can be sufficiently learned to hold a conversation. In recent years, languages like Klingon, Esperanto, and even Elvish have all been created on purpose. Volapük is a language that you may be less familiar with. Johann Martin Schleyer, a retired priest, invented it in 1879 after receiving a command from God to create a language that would be understandable to all people. This is one of the most Amazing Things People Claimed God Told Them to Do.

It is regarded as the "oldest worldwide auxiliary language," which makes it special even though it is still not very common. The language substantially borrows from both French and English, although it never really took off. The reasons behind this may be contested, but there are numerous websites on the internet that make fun of the fact that the Lord's Prayer in Volapuk begins with the phrase "O Fat Obas."

Created by: Johann Martin Schleyer
Date: 1879–1880
Setting and usage: International: mostly in Europe

Writing system: Latin