Well, it’s about time! HBO has just made us aware of the fact that October will see the release of Living Language Dothraki, a conversational language-teaching course with a workbook and an audio CD. Amazing, and long overdue.
Now, where’s the Valyrian book?
The full press release can be found below, including details on additional resources that can be purchased along with the entry-level course:
LEARN DOTHRAKI, FICTIONAL LANGUAGE FROM GAME OF THRONES®, WITH LIVING LANGUAGE AND HBO GLOBAL LICENSING®
Beginner course features lessons from Dothraki language creator David J. Peterson
NEW YORK, NY (JUNE 2, 2014) - Learning a new language has always been the gateway into experiencing a culture, and now fans can dive in to the world of Game of Thrones like never before with Living Language Dothraki: A Conversational Language Course Based on the Hit Original HBO Series Game of Thrones (on sale October 7, 2014).
As the popularity of the television series, based on George R.R. Martin’s bestselling A Song of Ice and Fire books, has skyrocketed, fans have eagerly looked for any and all information on the Dothraki characters and culture-creating their own online communities to catalogue Dothraki dialogue, vocabulary, and grammar from show scripts, along with their own instructional language videos on YouTube. There are already nearly 150 self-identified Dothraki speakers on the popular “Tongues of Ice and Fire” Wiki.
Now, for the first time, viewers and readers have access to an official guide to Dothraki compiled by acclaimed language and culture consultant David J. Peterson. With more than 500 words and phrases, and including never-before-heard material and words coined exclusively for the Living Language Dothraki course, fans will have the chance to master the language and join Daenerys on her march toward King’s Landing to reclaim the Iron Throne.
Like a traditional language course, users will learn vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and even cultural notes, which lay out context as well as dos and don’ts. For example, since horses are so central to Dothraki culture, many phrases have their roots in the equestrian. Whatever you do, never call a Dothraki warrior anifak (walker): the ultimate insult since it implies he can no longer ride his horse.
Peterson narrates the course’s lessons and dialogues, giving fans the opportunity to learn Dothraki straight from the source.
“I’m thrilled to be working with Living Language to produce the first official Dothraki text,” says Peterson. “This book will take you from arakh to zhavvorsa in no time, and the audio samples will help you perfect your pronunciation. I often get the question, ‘When will there be a Dothraki guide I can buy?’ The answer is now, thanks to Living Language. Me nem nesa!”
The course, Living Language’s first for a created language, is available in three editions:
Living Language Dothraki ($19.99), which includes a language guide and audio CD featuring 200 words and phrases , available at the HBO Shop (store.hbo.com) and at physical and online retailers worldwide
Living Language Dothraki Expanded Online Course ($30.00), covering additional vocabulary and grammar including 500 words and phrases, plus interactive quizzes and games, available at http://www.livinglanguage.com
Living Language Dothraki Companion Mobile App ($3.99), featuring 15 thematic flash card decks, available on the App Store® for iPhone®, iPad® and iPod touch®
For more information on each edition of the course, visit http://www.livinglanguage.com/dothraki.
To pre-order the dictionary, visit the HBO Shop.
About Living Language
Living Language has been a proven and effective language learning instruction for over 65 years. Using techniques originally developed for the U.S. State Department, the Living Language Methodâ„¢ follows a four point approach from building a foundation of essential words and phrases, advancing to full sentences and conversations, practicing with recall exercises aimed at both short and long term memory and developing practical language skills to equip the learner in any situation. Living Language is an imprint of Random House LLC, a Penguin Random House Company.
About HBO Global Licensing:
HBO Global Licensing officially licenses the HBO® brand for the development and merchandising of innovative product lines inspired by the network’s award-winning programming. With products created around hit series like Game of Thrones® and True Blood® as well as classic series like The Sopranos®, Sex and the City®, and Entourage, items include fashion apparel, figures, jewelry, digital and CD soundtracks, prop and costume replicas, games, books, and beverages, as well as exclusive, premium collections in partnership with upscale, designer brands. Merchandise can be purchased in retail stores nationwide, at http://store.hbo.com, and at the groundbreaking HBO retail hub, the HBO Shop®, located at 42nd and 6th Avenue in New York City. HBO Global Licensing products are also sold internationally across Europe (http://www.hboshopeu.com), Asia and Australia.
About David J. Peterson
DAVID J. PETERSON was born in Long Beach, California in 1981. He attended UC Berkeley from 1999 to 2003, and received a B.A. in English and a B.A. in Linguistics. He then attended UC San Diego from 2003 to 2006, where he received an M.A. in Linguistics. He’s been creating languages since 2000, and working on the HBO original series Game of Thrones since 2009. In 2011, he became the alien language and culture consultant for the Syfy original series Defiance. In 2013, he joined the crew of the CW’s Star-Crossed and also Syfy’s Dominion as a language creator. In 2007, he helped to found the Language Creation Society, of which David has remained a proud member. He is also the author of The Art of Language Invention, to be published by Penguin Books in 2015.