This article centers around a fascinating video produced by CNET, a leading online platform known for its tech news and reviews.
The video in question provides a detailed guide on how to learn Klingon, a fictional language from the renowned Star Trek franchise.
Through the lens of Duolingo, a popular language-learning app, the video offers an insightful look into the world of Klingon language learning. The aim of this article is to further study the key points highlighted in the video, provide a comprehensive summary, and offer practical application tips for language learners.
Duolingo Beams Up Klingon
Duolingo, known for its engaging and interactive language lessons, added Klingon to its course offerings in 2015. The course was the brainchild of five superfan volunteers who designed it with the aim of making Klingon accessible to more people.
The course’s developers obtained an official license from CBS, the company that owns the rights to the Star Trek franchise, thus adding an authentic touch to the course offering.
What It Really Takes to Learn Klingon
Felix Malmenbeck, one of the contributors of the Duolingo Klingon course, shares his learning journey. He honed his expertise in Klingon through various internet platforms and the Klingon dictionary authored by Marc Okrand, the linguist behind the creation of the language for Star Trek.
This highlights the importance of using multiple resources and tools in language learning. The combination of internet resources and the official dictionary provided a comprehensive understanding of the language’s structure and nuances.
The Klingon-Speaking World Has Rules
The Klingon-speaking community has a unique rule: only Marc Okrand, the original language creator, can introduce new words or grammar rules.
This preserves the integrity of the language and ensures that its development remains true to its original form. This rule underscores the importance of authenticity and consistency in language learning and usage.
Grammar, Apostrophes & Galactic Sentences
Since its inception, the Klingon course on Duolingo has garnered the interest of nearly 170,000 users. The course is structured to introduce grammar and vocabulary gradually. It places a strong emphasis on creating sentences that are fun and engaging, to stimulate and encourage learning. A noteworthy feature of Klingon is its use of apostrophes within words and case sensitivity, which can alter the meaning of a word.
Learning Klingon Is Tough — That’s the Fun Part
Klingon is acknowledged as a complex language. However, Malmenbeck encourages learners to embrace the challenge. A good starting phrase for beginners is “qapla”, which translates to “success”.
This term can be used in various contexts, demonstrating the versatility of Klingon phrases. The challenge of learning Klingon is part of its appeal, making it a worthwhile endeavor for dedicated language learners.
As you delve deeper into the fascinating world of Klingon, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more language-learning insights and tips.
In conclusion, learning Klingon is a unique and interesting journey that opens up a new world of language learning.
The video provides a comprehensive guide and a wealth of information for anyone interested in taking up this challenge.
We encourage you to watch the original video on CNET’s YouTube channel and subscribe for more fascinating content. Whether you are a Star Trek fan or a language enthusiast, learning Klingon offers a unique and satisfying challenge.

Hey fellow Linguaholics! It’s me, Marcel. I am the proud owner of linguaholic.com. Languages have always been my passion and I have studied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics and Sinology at the University of Zurich. It is my utmost pleasure to share with all of you guys what I know about languages and linguistics in general.