Unexpected Perspective – The Languages of Tolkien

A Lecture by Abigail Cagle

Description

J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, wrote his stories around his invented languages. He created these languages not only as a method of communication for his characters but also as a form of deep artistic expression. Join us at Mount Airy Presbyterian Church on June 20 for a discussion with Abigail Cagle on why Tolkien invented languages and how they provide the foundation for all of his mythology.

Event Information

• Date: June 20, 2026
• Time: 7 PM
• Cost: Free
• Location: Mt Airy Presbyterian Church, 17455 Old Frederick Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771
• Phone: 301-829-5223
• Email: mtairypca@gmail.com
• Duration: Approximately 45 min

Why you should come to hear about the languages of Tolkien:

• One of the most vital parts of being human is our ability to understand, produce, and process language. Tolkien took this ability and created not just one language, but over a dozen interconnected, philologically and linguistically sound languages.
• Language is not just a means of communication; Tolkien emphasized its aesthetic as well. He delved into the delight of different sounds and managed to turn early 20th century language philosophy on its head.
• Language is furthermore one of the best playgrounds for creation readily available to human beings. However, human beings are constantly creating not just with language but with art, story, housekeeping, building, gardening, etc. Through his invented languages and his philosophy of subcreation, Tolkien establishes why we have this ability and what it means for being human.

Bio

Abigail is a graduating senior at the College of William and Mary majoring in Linguistics and minoring in English. Her research has focused on sound changes and medieval languages and literature. She has led a public discussion on C. S. Lewis, as well as lectured a number of times on Tolkien’s works and constructed languages. Next year she will obtain an MSc in Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, reading, hiking, constructing languages, and a good cup of tea.

What is the Unexpected Perspective Lecture Series?

The Languages of Tolkien is the 3rd lecture in Mt Airy Presbyterian Church’s Unexpected Perspective Lecture Series. The series is a community event highlighting eclectic topics and presenting unusual perspectives. The series began in January, 2026 with a lecture by Diane Jones on the Christian Foundation of Jane Austen’s Writing. That lecture was enthusiastically received so a second lecture called Flight Attendants: Being Stewards of Butterflies was given by Jeff Cagle in April, also well received. After the Languages of Tolkien lecture, new lectures are being planned for the fall and winter on even more diverse topics with more unusual perspectives. The lectures are always free.

Video of the lecture: https://youtu.be/EwATkCvootw