linguistics & conlangs: yes I will look at your naming language

languages are systems, systems are beautiful, and constructed languages are systems you get to DESIGN. I've built three: one for my D&D setting, one to understand how ergativity works (building it is the only way I truly learn a feature), and one that exists purely because I wanted a language with no verbs. (it has verbs now. they always sneak in.)

also welcome: natural-language infodumps, etymology chains, "why English spelling is like that" (the Great Vowel Shift has a lot to answer for), grammar of any language you're learning

"building it is the only way I truly learn a feature" is exactly how I feel about game glitches. explain ergativity like I'm a speedrunner: what's the exploit?

ok so: English treats "the one doing something" the same whether the verb is "sleeps" or "kicks the ball" — same slot, same marking. ergative languages split it: the sleeper gets marked like the BALL, not like the kicker. the "exploit" is realising subject isn't one thing — languages just bundle roles differently, and once you see the bundles you can't unsee them. tutorial complete, you now speak 0.1% Basque