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Conversational Klingon
Based on The Klingon Dictionary, this audio program provides the words, expressions, phrases and pronunciations that will allow any listener to grasp the language of the future. A must have for Star Trek fans.
Audio Cassette
First published October 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 6, 2012
I liked the dialogue spoken by Micheal Dorn.
May 7, 2015
It's sad when one lives in Japan and speaks better Klingon than Japanese.
March 8, 2020
Quite a fun listen that could easily turn into a more serious language learning exercise. It starts with insults and curse words, fundamental to Klingon communication, and covers the basics of pronouns, numbers and such. It also talks about Klingon culture and customs. A timeless work.
November 24, 2014
A great introduction to the Klingon Language. The Audible Audiobook is complete and worth a listen. I listen to this at least once a quarter just to make sure the message continues to stick.
December 3, 2024
Expectoration Means You’re Pronouncing It Correctly
Conversational Klingon is an audio course specifically prepared for tourists planning a visit to the Klingon Empire. It’s designed to teach you what you need to know to get by on any visit to the Empire: correct pronunciation of words, elementary grammar, useful expressions, and curse words, but this audiobook is more than just a language tutorial. About 40% of it is dedicated to getting you familiar with the richness of Klingon traditions and beliefs. It was written by Marc Okrand, a professional linguist and the creator of the Klingon language. Audio portions are presented by Michael Dorn, also known as Worf from Star Trek: The Next Generation.
There are three pillars to learning the Klingon language:
1. Klingon lessons on Duolingo: An interactive, gamified framework for learning a new language, but pronunciation and phrases can be stilted. Words are spoon fed to you as exercises in dribs and drabs.
2. The Klingon Dictionary, by Marc Okrand: A comprehensive overview of Klingon grammar and lexicon. Useful for reference and moderately instructive, but difficult to glean correct pronunciation from the text and a grind to learn from.
3. Conversational Klingon (Audiobook), by Marc Okrand & Michael Dorn: Good instruction and illustration of how to pronounce words, useful phrases and what a conversation should sound like. It’s a limited peek into the language though.
Conversational Klingon begins with a focus on syllabic pronunciation used in offensive Klingon curse words that may be a challenge for Terrans to pronounce. I learned if you’re not continually spitting on the person you’re talking to, you’re probably not saying it right. I also learned that all Klingon planets conveniently have 24-hour days which simplifies translating time from Terran to Klingon.
These are some of the useful phrases you’ll learn for your trip to the Klingon Empire:
- Pick up your own bags and go to your room.
- I can smell something. My eyes sting!
- You are eating serpent worms.
- Why is there rubber everywhere, Klingon?
- No, I feel sick.
- Don't touch me!
If you haven’t given any thought to what you’ll tell friends and family when they ask why you’re learning Klingon, here are the top ten reasons:
Top Ten Reasons to Learn Klingon
10. Learning a new language lateralizes hemispheres of the brain and defends against dementia.
9. It's a great diversion to avoid reading the news.
8. In case you need it
7. Google Translate doesn't support Klingon.
6. Nobody likes subtitles when the Klingons start speaking.
5. A new career in Klingon podcasting
4. Klingon Scrabble
3. So they get your order right in Klingon restaurants
2. Klingon pick-up lines
1. We'll all need to learn it eventually.
Conversational Klingon is a fun listen. I listened to it several times, practicing my pronunciation, while walking Posey around the neighborhood at night. If any neighbors questioned me, I planned to tell them I was learning Ukrainian. My only complaint is that it’s a bit too short. At 50 minutes long, it only covers a small sample of basic vocabulary and quickly escalates from individual words to entire phrases and conversations that can be difficult to parse for a beginner.
Conversational Klingon is an audio course specifically prepared for tourists planning a visit to the Klingon Empire. It’s designed to teach you what you need to know to get by on any visit to the Empire: correct pronunciation of words, elementary grammar, useful expressions, and curse words, but this audiobook is more than just a language tutorial. About 40% of it is dedicated to getting you familiar with the richness of Klingon traditions and beliefs. It was written by Marc Okrand, a professional linguist and the creator of the Klingon language. Audio portions are presented by Michael Dorn, also known as Worf from Star Trek: The Next Generation.
There are three pillars to learning the Klingon language:
1. Klingon lessons on Duolingo: An interactive, gamified framework for learning a new language, but pronunciation and phrases can be stilted. Words are spoon fed to you as exercises in dribs and drabs.
2. The Klingon Dictionary, by Marc Okrand: A comprehensive overview of Klingon grammar and lexicon. Useful for reference and moderately instructive, but difficult to glean correct pronunciation from the text and a grind to learn from.
3. Conversational Klingon (Audiobook), by Marc Okrand & Michael Dorn: Good instruction and illustration of how to pronounce words, useful phrases and what a conversation should sound like. It’s a limited peek into the language though.
Conversational Klingon begins with a focus on syllabic pronunciation used in offensive Klingon curse words that may be a challenge for Terrans to pronounce. I learned if you’re not continually spitting on the person you’re talking to, you’re probably not saying it right. I also learned that all Klingon planets conveniently have 24-hour days which simplifies translating time from Terran to Klingon.
These are some of the useful phrases you’ll learn for your trip to the Klingon Empire:
- Pick up your own bags and go to your room.
- I can smell something. My eyes sting!
- You are eating serpent worms.
- Why is there rubber everywhere, Klingon?
- No, I feel sick.
- Don't touch me!
If you haven’t given any thought to what you’ll tell friends and family when they ask why you’re learning Klingon, here are the top ten reasons:
Top Ten Reasons to Learn Klingon
10. Learning a new language lateralizes hemispheres of the brain and defends against dementia.
9. It's a great diversion to avoid reading the news.
8. In case you need it
7. Google Translate doesn't support Klingon.
6. Nobody likes subtitles when the Klingons start speaking.
5. A new career in Klingon podcasting
4. Klingon Scrabble
3. So they get your order right in Klingon restaurants
2. Klingon pick-up lines
1. We'll all need to learn it eventually.
Conversational Klingon is a fun listen. I listened to it several times, practicing my pronunciation, while walking Posey around the neighborhood at night. If any neighbors questioned me, I planned to tell them I was learning Ukrainian. My only complaint is that it’s a bit too short. At 50 minutes long, it only covers a small sample of basic vocabulary and quickly escalates from individual words to entire phrases and conversations that can be difficult to parse for a beginner.
January 20, 2022
Wish there was more included but eh what can you do?
February 26, 2014
Nicely narrated and a bit fun too. Though I have no plans to learn Klingon. I just wanted to hear how they have played it out.
July 30, 2024
A great introduction to the Klingon language
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews