Day: September 8, 2016

Long ago, as the crew of the Enterprise explored the final frontier, one man boldly did what few—if any—actors had ever done before: construct a language from scratch. But while James Doohan (Scotty) may have invented a form of Klingon on the set of Star Trek: The Motion Picture , the real credit for its enduring legacy goes to linguist Marc Okrand, who started developing Klingon for Trek films in 1984, bringing constructed languages (“conlangs”) to generations of new enthusiasts, from Trekkers to Dune fans to Na’vi admirers.

People constructed languages before Klingon: J.R.R. Tolkien created Quenya in 1915, later used in The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings; Edgar Rice Burroughs invented Barsoomian in 1912 for A Princess of Mars; St. Hildegard of Bingen fashioned the Lingua Ignota in 1200, crediting some angels for divine inspiration. But as part of a TV show beloved by millions of viewers, Okrand’s Klingon brought conlangs to the popular lexicon.

Much of Klingon’s appeal comes from its lexical novelty. According to Joey Windsor, a linguistics doctoral student at University of Calgary, Okrand designed Klingon against the conventions of human language: It’s meant to sound alien. The sentence structure in Klingon is object-subject-verb, which is the least common construction among all 7,000 human languages; it includes unusual sounds like the trilled “r” (think Willy from The Simpsons) and the guttural “h” (say “Bach,” with force). “He broke every one of those tendencies, but stopped just shy of the language becoming unpronounceable and unlearnable,” says Windsor. “I would describe Klingon as a barely natural human language.”

As the first constructed language widely portrayed on-screen, Klingon faced an additional hurdle: unlike the Elvish dialects in the Lord of the Rings novels, characters had to actually speak it. So Okrand developed a language both grammatically alien and actor-friendly. “It’s a really choppy language,” says Windsor. That’s helpful for any actors who may not yet be fluent in Klingon—it allows them to simply memorize syllables, rather than long phrases.

Of course, Klingon was ultimately designed for the fans. For first-time viewers, fluent speakers, and those in between, the elaborate dialogue brings them into the world of the Trek—something not all fictional languages pull off. When done haphazardly, invented languages can alienate an astute audience. (Remember when Leia negotiated for Chewbacca’s life in Jabba’s court using the same few sounds over and over again?) But when done well, conlangs make the fictional world seem far more real.

In that regard, Klingon is the standard-bearer—and countless others have followed. But its most diehard speakers are still Trek fans, who—like Windsor—have given the language a life beyond the screen. Since he first got hooked while watching the pilot of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Windsor has given linguistics lectures on Klingon, created four languages himself (which he uses in Dungeons & Dragons), and built up quite the vocabulary of Klingon phrases. To help celebrate this week’s 50th anniversary of Star Trek, WIRED asked Windsor to put together a primer on the language. Whether you’re meeting a Klingon for a beer, in need of a grave insult, or begging for your life, this guide has you covered. (And here’s an International Phonetic Association pronunciation chart, just in case you need help telling a velar fricative from a glottal plosive.)

quSDaq ba’lu’’a’ (Is this seat taken?)

Pronounced: ˈqhuʂ.ɖɑq ˈbɑʔ luʔ.ˈʔɑʔ
Usage: When you’re sitting down to negotiations with a Klingon, it’s probably best to proceed with caution—although your polite question may betray your humanoid tendencies.

vjIjatlh (Speak)

Pronounced: d͡ʒɪ.ˈd͡ʒɑt͡ɬ
Usage: As a greeting. “A Klingon will not waste time on trivial pleasantries,” notes Windsor. Why say “hello” when you can issue an order, instead?

pe’vIl mu’qaDmey (Curse well!)

Pronounced: ˈphɛʔ.vɪl ˈmuʔ.qhɑɖ.mɛj
Usage: Instead of “all the best” or “have a nice day,” let your parting words say what you really mean.

nuqDaq ‘oH puchpa’’e’ (Where’s the bathroom?)

Pronounced: nuqʰ.ˈɖɑqʰ ʔox pʰut͡ʃ.ˈpʰɑʔ.ˈʔɛʔ
Usage: Helpful if you forget which door is which on the battlecruiser.

nuqDaq ‘oH tach’e’ (Where’s the bar?)

Pronounced: nuqh.ˈɖɑqh ʔox tʰɑt͡ʃ.ˈʔɛʔ
Best Use Case Scenario: This one is obvious. But be prepared for an answer that will lead to either Bloodwine or the taste of defeat.

tera’ngan Soj lujab’a’ (Do they serve Earth food?)

Pronounced: thɛ.ˈrɑʔ.ŋɑn ʂod͡ʒ lu.d͡ʒɑb.ˈʔɑʔ
Best Use Case Scenario: If the idea of serpent worms turns your stomach, it’s worth asking if your dining companion is taking you to a Klingon joint.

qut na’ HInob (Give me the salty crystals)

Pronounced: qhutʰ nɑʔ xɪ.ˈnob
Best Use Case Scenario: Those salt crystals may be acceptable on human food, but Klingon gastronomes insist on eating gagh raw (and live).

qagh Sopbe’ (He doesn’t eat gagh)

Pronounced: qʰɑɣ ʂopʰ.ˈbɛʔ
Usage: A way for one Klingon to call another a coward.

Klingon: HIja/ghobe’ (Yes/No)

Pronounced: xɪ.ˈd͡ʒɑ/ɣo.ˈbɛʔ
Usage: As in, “Yes, I surrender.”

Dochvetlh vIneH (I want that thing!)

Pronounced: ˈɖot͡ʃ.vet͡ɬ vɪ.ˈnɛx
Usage: Klingons aren’t known for their diplomacy, or their manners—get straight to the point.

Hab SoSlI’ Quch (Your mother has a smooth forehead!)

Pronounced: xɑb ʂoʂ.ˈlɪʔ q͡χut͡ʃ
Usage: As any Trekkie knows, this is a serious insult.

nuqjatlh (What did you say?)

Pronounced: nuqʰ.ˈd͡ʒɑt͡ɬ
Usage: If you need to buy a few minutes to come up with an escape plan, feign hard-of-hearing.

jagh yIbuStaH (Concentrate on the enemy!)

Pronounced: d͡ʒɑɣ yɪ.ˈbuʂ.tʰɑx
Usage: Klingon does have words for “sorry” and “surrender,” but according to Windsor, “no Klingon would use them, and you would lose all honor if you did.” Try this distraction tactic instead.

Heghlu’meH QaQ jajvam (Today is a good day to die)

Pronounced: ˈxɛɣ.luʔ.mɛx q͡χɑq͡χ ˈd͡ʒɑd͡ʒ.vɑm
Usage: If you hear this, let’s hope the Klingon uttering it is going into battle for you, not against you.

qaStaH nuq jay’ (What the #$*@ is happening?)

Pronounced: ˈqʰɑʂ.tʰɑx nuqʰ d͡ʒɑjʔ
Usage: If you’re averse to cursing (Klingons aren’t), leave off the jay’ at the end.

wo’ batlhvaD (For the honor of the Empire!)

Pronounced: woʔ ˈbɑt͡ɬ.vɑɖ
Usage: Uh, we’re all on the same team, guys.

tlhIngan maH (We are Klingon!)

Pronounced: ˈt͡ɬɪ.ŋɑn mɑx
Usage: A common Klingon victory chant.

Qapla’ (Success!)

Pronounced: q͡χɑpʰ.ˈlɑʔ
Usage: To be exclaimed victoriously after your first full conversation with a Klingon. And, hopefully, your escape.

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01

Dokk1 Library, Schmidt Hammer Larsen

The Dokk1 library recently won the prize for best public library of 2016, and it’s easy to see why. The 323,000 square-foot library, the largest in Scandinavia, is situated next to the river in Aarhus, Denmark. The building is made from a stack of polygons, giving it a hard, geometric facade. While inside, the space is airy, with windows that overlook the city’s harbor. An unexpected, artistic bonus: The bell that hangs above the central staircase is connected to the local hospital—it rings every time a child is born.

Credit:
Adam M√∏rk

The Dokk1 library recently won the prize for best public library of 2016, and it’s easy to see why. The 323,000 square-foot library, the largest in Scandinavia, is situated next to the river in Aarhus, Denmark. The building is made from a stack of polygons, giving it a hard, geometric facade. While inside, the space is airy, with windows that overlook the city’s harbor. An unexpected, artistic bonus: The bell that hangs above the central staircase is connected to the local hospital—it rings every time a child is born.

02

Lawrence Public Library, by Gould Evans

Lawrence’s new library has the bones of its old. Originally built in 1972, architects at Gould Evans recently gutted the library and renovated it to be more modern and tech-forward. While observing visitors, the architects realized people naturally gathered in the locations with the most natural lighting. This led to them to create reading room with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Credit:
Mike Sinclair

Lawrence’s new library has the bones of its old. Originally built in 1972, architects at Gould Evans recently gutted the library and renovated it to be more modern and tech-forward. While observing visitors, the architects realized people naturally gathered in the locations with the most natural lighting. This led to them to create reading room with floor-to-ceiling windows.

03

Yangzhou Zhangshuge, by XL-Muse

Walking into the Yangzhou Zhangshuge bookstore in Zhen Yuan, China is like walking through a river filled with books. The architects say that’s intentional; the building is supposed to evoke the feeling of water, a nod to its riverside location. Hard and paperback tomes line the curved, backlit shelves, which reflect onto the dark mirrored floor, creating a tunnel effect. It’s just the right amount of trippy.

Credit:
shao feng architectural photography

Walking into the Yangzhou Zhangshuge bookstore in Zhen Yuan, China is like walking through a river filled with books. The architects say that’s intentional; the building is supposed to evoke the feeling of water, a nod to its riverside location. Hard and paperback tomes line the curved, backlit shelves, which reflect onto the dark mirrored floor, creating a tunnel effect. It’s just the right amount of trippy.

04

Beyazit Library, by Tabanlioglu Architects

The Beyazit State Library in Istanbul isn’t a new building. In fact, it was originally built in 1506, and served as a soup kitchen and inn before it became the state library in the late 19th century. Turkish architecture studio Tabanlioglu Architects recently renovated the space, preserving its bones while adding minimalist modern touches, like tinted glass boxes that hold rare manuscripts. It’s a stunning mix of old and new.

Credit:
EmreDorter

The Beyazit State Library in Istanbul isn’t a new building. In fact, it was originally built in 1506, and served as a soup kitchen and inn before it became the state library in the late 19th century. Turkish architecture studio Tabanlioglu Architects recently renovated the space, preserving its bones while adding minimalist modern touches, like tinted glass boxes that hold rare manuscripts. It’s a stunning mix of old and new.

05

Vennesla Library, by Helen & Hard Architects

Norway’s Vennesla library looks like a portal to outer space. A series of 27 arching ribs hugs the ceiling, creating a skeleton for the building. Each rib has an integrated light that lends the cream interior and ethereal glow, while the base of the beam flows into a reading nook. Each rib contains sound absorbing materials to ensure the space is extra quiet.

Credit:
Emile Ashley

Norway’s Vennesla library looks like a portal to outer space. A series of 27 arching ribs hugs the ceiling, creating a skeleton for the building. Each rib has an integrated light that lends the cream interior and ethereal glow, while the base of the beam flows into a reading nook. Each rib contains sound absorbing materials to ensure the space is extra quiet.

06

Bodø Library, by DRDH

The new Bodø Public Library in Norway is also a cultural center, featuring a three-auditorium concert hall in addition to its 68,000-square feet of dedicated reading space. The white concrete building sits on the plot of a former bus station, and a row of floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the city’s harbor.

Credit:
David Grandorge

The new Bodø Public Library in Norway is also a cultural center, featuring a three-auditorium concert hall in addition to its 68,000-square feet of dedicated reading space. The white concrete building sits on the plot of a former bus station, and a row of floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the city’s harbor.

07

Chicago Public Library, by SOM

Chicago’s new Chinatown library branch has no sharp edges. The pebble-shaped building is wrapped in glass and marked by solar-shading fins that are meant to reduce heat and glare. The library’s curvy, three-sided shape is built around feng shui principles and designed to align with the avenues outside the building. Inside, the two-story structure is centered around a light-filled atrium.

Credit:
Hedrich Blessing Photographers

Chicago’s new Chinatown library branch has no sharp edges. The pebble-shaped building is wrapped in glass and marked by solar-shading fins that are meant to reduce heat and glare. The library’s curvy, three-sided shape is built around feng shui principles and designed to align with the avenues outside the building. Inside, the two-story structure is centered around a light-filled atrium.

08

Birmingham Library, by Mecanoo

From the outside, the Birmingham library in England looks like a brutalist structure wrapped in metal lace. But the building’s vast interior—it’s 312,000 square feet—is filled with bright primary colors and clean lines. The building is home to more than 400,000 books housed on multiple floors, each of which features a cantilevered balcony overlooking a “book rotunda.”

Credit:
Mecanoo

From the outside, the Birmingham library in England looks like a brutalist structure wrapped in metal lace. But the building’s vast interior—it’s 312,000 square feet—is filled with bright primary colors and clean lines. The building is home to more than 400,000 books housed on multiple floors, each of which features a cantilevered balcony overlooking a "book rotunda."

09

Halifax Library, by Schmidt Hammer Larsen

Halifax’s flagship library (there are 13 others) is 156,000-square feet of imposingly piled glass. Situated in the city’s downtown, the building’s four glass boxes stack, twist, and cantilever to create a stunning building block effect. On top of the building is a rooftop garden for enjoying warm Nova Scotia summers. Inside, the library’s reading room converts to a concert hall.

Credit:
Adam Mørk

Halifax’s flagship library (there are 13 others) is 156,000-square feet of imposingly piled glass. Situated in the city’s downtown, the building’s four glass boxes stack, twist, and cantilever to create a stunning building block effect. On top of the building is a rooftop garden for enjoying warm Nova Scotia summers. Inside, the library’s reading room converts to a concert hall.

10

Conarte Library, by Anagrama

Mexican design studio Anagrama designed a cozy reading nook inside this Monterrey bookstore to encourage visitors to linger and read. The sea foam blue walls shine through a latticed wood bookshelf that turns the space into a brightly colored cocoon. Stairs cut through the middle of the dome, while padded seats on either side afford comfortable reading spots. It’s visually striking, and clever, use of space.

Credit:
CAROGA

Mexican design studio Anagrama designed a cozy reading nook inside this Monterrey bookstore to encourage visitors to linger and read. The sea foam blue walls shine through a latticed wood bookshelf that turns the space into a brightly colored cocoon. Stairs cut through the middle of the dome, while padded seats on either side afford comfortable reading spots. It’s visually striking, and clever, use of space.

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Famed Formula 1 designer Gordon Murray has created another cool vehicle, but it’s not a race car. It’s a big, boxy truck that ships in pieces that go together just like that bookcase you bought at Ikea.

Murray designed the flat-pack truck, called the OX, for philanthropist Torquil Norman and his company, Global Vehicle Trust. The first prototype appeared in 2013. Three years, $4 million, and two prototypes later, the Trust has revealed a tested, more complete version.

Inspiration for the OX came from the Africar, a lightweight, all-terrain vehicle that came and went in the mid-1980s. And the idea is brilliant: A flat-pack vehicle, much like flat-pack furniture, requires less space for shipping. (A 40-foot shipping container can hold six flat-packed trucks but just two assembled trucks.) That makes it easier and cheaper to send trucks to Africa—OX’s initial market—where reliable ground transportation is a scarce and valuable resource.

The company claims three people can build an OX in just 12 hours. That’s thanks to user-friendly touches like the windshield, which features three identical panels that are easily assembled and replaced. The OX’s ground clearance and 45 degree approach- and departure-angle let it tackle the roughest roads. Top Gear called the truck unbreakable, and applauded its smooth ride. And there’s plenty more: OX’s website compares the trucks specs to those of a 4×4 cab truck and a 4×4 passenger vehicle—the OX bests them both on multiple fronts.

The OX, for example, is much lighter than the average truck because of Murray’s iStream manufacturing method. His radical approach aims to upend vehicle manufacturing by replacing stamped steel unibodies with tube steel frames coated in composite materials like fiberglass, polyurethane, and paper. The OX uses a waterproof bonded wood composite. Were this technique to take off, Murray says it would fundamentally alter the way cars are made.

That’s a bold claim from a brilliant thinker, but when WIRED talked to Murray about iStream in 2011, he said this technique could make cars 20 to 25 percent lighter and 60 percent more efficient to manufacture. The OX is the closest Murray has come to a proof of concept—but it’s still got a ways to go. Murray estimates he’ll need another $4 million to get an OX factory up and running. If that happens, he and Norman believe they can get OX trucks on the road in as little as two years. Another bold claim from a pair of bold thinkers.

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