Who Can Speak Dothraki?

Who Can Speak Dothraki?

For fans of the epic fantasy series Game of Thrones, the guttural, horse-centric language of the Dothraki people is instantly recognizable. But who exactly can speak this unique tongue, and how did it come to be spoken on screen and in the world of Westeros and Essos?

The Dothraki People: The Primary Speakers

First and foremost, the Dothraki people are the originators and primary speakers of the Dothraki language. This nomadic warrior culture, originating from the vast grasslands known as the Dothraki Sea on the continent of Essos, imbues their language with their way of life. Their vocabulary is rich with terms related to horses, warfare, strength, and the natural world around them. For a Dothraki, speaking their language is as fundamental as riding a horse or wielding a arakh.

Key Characteristics of Dothraki Speakers:

• Native Speakers: All members of the Dothraki khalasars (warrior bands led by a Khal) are born into the language and speak it as their mother tongue.
• Cultural Identity: The language is deeply intertwined with their cultural identity, their honor, and their social hierarchy.
• Limited External Use: Traditionally, the Dothraki did not extensively interact with or adopt the languages of other cultures. Their focus was on their own traditions and dominance.

Daenerys Targaryen: The Outsider Who Mastered Dothraki

Perhaps the most prominent non-Dothraki character who becomes fluent in Dothraki is Daenerys Targaryen. Her journey into the Dothraki Sea and her marriage to Khal Drogo are pivotal moments in her character development. To survive and thrive amongst the Dothraki, she had to learn their language.

Daenerys's Dothraki Proficiency:

• Necessity of Survival: Initially, her ability to speak Dothraki was a matter of necessity to communicate with her new husband and his people.
• Growth and Respect: As she became more integrated into Dothraki society, her fluency grew, earning her respect and solidifying her position as Khaleesi.
• Command and Leadership: By the end of her time with the Dothraki, she could not only converse but also command and inspire them in their own language.

Other Notable Characters with Dothraki Knowledge

While Daenerys is the most prominent example, other characters in Game of Thrones gain varying degrees of understanding or fluency in Dothraki, often due to their close association with Daenerys or the Dothraki themselves.

Examples of Others:

• Khal Drogo: While a native speaker, his interactions with Daenerys and her translators were limited.
• Jorah Mormont: As Daenerys's advisor and protector, he likely picked up a significant amount of Dothraki to better understand the situations Daenerys found herself in.
• Missandei: Having been a slave in Astapor before joining Daenerys, Missandei is a polyglot. She learns Dothraki to assist Daenerys and also serves as a translator for her.
• Daario Naharis: As a sellsword who eventually joins Daenerys's cause, he would have needed to understand and likely speak some Dothraki to interact with her khalasars.
• Some Westerosi characters: In later seasons, as Daenerys brings her armies to Westeros, some characters who interact with her and her followers might pick up basic phrases or have them translated.

The Creation of the Dothraki Language

It's important to note that the Dothraki language, as heard in Game of Thrones, was not simply made up on the spot. It was meticulously created by linguist David J. Peterson for the HBO series, based on the few Dothraki words and phrases that appeared in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series.

Peterson's Linguistic Work:

• Extensive Vocabulary: Peterson developed thousands of words, grammatical rules, and a unique phonology for the language.
• Cultural Influence: He consciously designed the language to reflect the Dothraki culture, incorporating many equestrian and martial terms.
• Impact on Actors: Actors playing Dothraki characters, especially those who were native speakers in the story, underwent language training to speak the parts convincingly.

FAQ Section:

How did David J. Peterson learn to create a fictional language?

David J. Peterson is a linguist who has studied language extensively. He used his academic knowledge and a passion for constructed languages (conlangs) to build Dothraki. He was given a limited set of words from George R.R. Martin's books and then developed the grammar, syntax, and a much larger vocabulary from that foundation.

Why is the Dothraki language so focused on horses?

The Dothraki are a nomadic people whose entire society revolves around horses. They live, travel, fight, and even have their conception of the afterlife tied to their relationship with these animals. Therefore, their language naturally reflects this central aspect of their culture, with a rich vocabulary for different breeds, riding techniques, and equestrian activities.

Can an average person learn to speak Dothraki?

Yes, to a degree. While it takes dedication, it is possible to learn Dothraki. David J. Peterson has made resources available, including dictionaries and grammar guides, and there are online communities of fans who study and practice the language. It requires significant effort, much like learning any foreign language.