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{{primary sources|date=October 2016}}
{{primary sources|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
| name = Klingon Language Institute
| name = Klingon Language Institute
| full_name = Klingon Language Institute, Inc
| full_name = Klingon Language Institute, Inc
| native_name = {{mono|tlhIngan Hol yejHaD}}
| native_name = {{mono|tlhIngan Hol yejHaD}}
| native_name_lang = tlh
| native_name_lang = tlh
| image = Klingon_Language_Institute_logo.png
| image = Klingon_Language_Institute_logo.png
| alt = The logo of the Klingon Language Institute
| alt = The logo of the Klingon Language Institute
| caption = Logo of the Klingon Language Institute
| caption = Logo of the Klingon Language Institute
| nickname = KLI
| abbreviation = KLI
| formation = 1992
| formation = 1992
| founder = Lawrence M. Schoen, Ph.D.
| founder = [[Lawrence M. Schoen]]
| type = Non-profit, volunteer-based
| type = Non-profit, volunteer-based
| purpose = [[Klingon language]] preservation, research, educational outreach and promotion
| headquarters = Northern Kentucky
| headquarters = Northern Kentucky
| website = https://kli.org
| website = https://kli.org
| motto = {{mono|qo'mey poSmoH Hol}}
| motto = {{mono|qo'mey poSmoH Hol}}
| board_of_directors = Chris Lipscombe, Jeremy Cowan, Alan Anderson
| board_of_directors = Chris Lipscombe, Jeremy Cowan, Alan Anderson
| leader_title = Board President
| leader_title = Board President
Line 27: Line 28:


== General ==
== General ==
The KLI has members from all over the world.<ref>[https://www.kli.org/members/ KLI Throughout the World] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970406121501/http://www.kli.org/kli/Members.html |date=1997-04-06 }}</ref> For 13 years, it published a quarterly journal ''{{mono|HolQeD}}'' (Klingon for "linguistics"), before discontinuing the paper mailings and changing to an electronic version which quickly stopped entirely. It also published the fiction and poetry magazine ''{{mono |jatmey}}'' for three volumes. It now publishes a number of translated works including ''[[The Wizard of Oz (book)|The Wizard of Oz]]'', ''[[The Art of War]]'', the [[Tao Te Ching|''Tao Teh Ching'']], ''[[Gilgamesh]]'', ''[[Much Ado About Nothing]]'' and more. Each year, the KLI hosts a five-day conference called the {{mono |qepʼaʼ}} (Klingon for "great meeting"), which is open to both members and anyone interested in the language.<ref>[https://www.kli.org/activities/qepmey/ Annual qepʼaʼ information] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514125607/http://www.kli.org/stuff/qepa.html |date=2008-05-14 }}</ref> The KLI is running several projects, including the administration of the [[Duolingo]] Klingon language course, translation into Klingon of a number of award-winning [[science fiction]] [[short stories]], [[Books of the bible|books of the Bible]], and works by [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]]. The motto of the institute is "{{mono |qoʼmey poSmoH Hol}}", which means "Language opens worlds".
The KLI has members from all over the world.<ref>[https://www.kli.org/members/ KLI Throughout the World] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970406121501/http://www.kli.org/kli/Members.html |date=1997-04-06 }}</ref> For 13 years, it published a quarterly journal ''{{mono|HolQeD}}'' (Klingon for "linguistics"), before discontinuing the paper mailings and changing to an electronic version which quickly stopped entirely. It also published the fiction and poetry magazine ''{{mono |jatmey}}'' for three volumes. It now publishes a number of translated works, including ''[[The Wizard of Oz (book)|The Wizard of Oz]]'', the [[Tao Te Ching|''Tao Te Ching'']], the [[Epic of Gilgamesh|''Epic of Gilgamesh'']], ''[[Much Ado About Nothing]]'' and others. Each year, the KLI hosts a five-day conference called the {{mono |qepʼaʼ}} (Klingon for "great meeting"), which is open to both members and anyone interested in the language.<ref>[https://www.kli.org/activities/qepmey/ Annual qepʼaʼ information] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514125607/http://www.kli.org/stuff/qepa.html |date=2008-05-14 }}</ref> The KLI is running several projects, including the administration of the [[Duolingo]] Klingon language course, translation into Klingon of a number of award-winning [[science fiction]] [[short stories]], [[Books of the bible|books of the Bible]], and works by [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]]. The motto of the institute is "{{mono |qoʼmey poSmoH Hol}}", which means "Language opens worlds".


The KLI is a 501(c)3 [[Non-profit organization|nonprofit corporation]] and exists to facilitate the scholarly exploration of the Klingon language and culture. It has the permission of [[CBS Television Studios|CBS Studios]] to use trademarks such as "Star Trek" and "Klingon".
The KLI is a 501(c)3 [[Non-profit organization|nonprofit corporation]] and exists to facilitate the scholarly exploration of the Klingon language and culture. It has the permission of [[CBS Television Studios|CBS Studios]] to use trademarks such as "[[Star Trek|''Star Trek'']]" and "[[Klingon]]".{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}


== History ==
== History ==
The KLI was founded in 1992 in [[Flourtown, Pennsylvania]] by psychology researcher and linguistics writer [[Lawrence M. Schoen]], with the intention of launching and operating a more in-depth organization from which he and others could work in "an ongoing career of lectures at conventions and museums across three continents, and [aid in] the development of a loose affiliation of language scholars and amateurs throughout fifty countries" which were dedicated to "the world's most popular fictional language".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schoen |first=Lawrence M. |date=2011-01-01 |title=Biography |url=http://www.lawrencemschoen.com/biography/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703194112/http://www.lawrencemschoen.com/biography/ |archive-date=2019-07-03 |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=Lawrence M. Schoen |language=en}}</ref>
The KLI was founded in 1992 in [[Flourtown, Pennsylvania]] by [[Lawrence M. Schoen]], Ph.D., who retired from his positions at the KLI in the summer of 2023 at {{mono |qep'a' wejmaHDIch}}. In 2022, it relocated to [[Kentucky]].


Each year, in midsummer, the annual meeting called the {{mono |qepʼaʼ}} takes place. It is open to anyone who is interested in the Klingon language, and usually takes place in the United States. The eighth meeting, the first and only ever outside the US, was held in [[Brussels]], Belgium in 2001 and organized by [[Lieven Litaer]]. At these meetings, attendees discuss and use the Klingon language in both formal lessons and panels, as well as informal activities and events. It is held at a more professional level compared to a standard [[science fiction convention]].
Each year, in midsummer, an annual meeting called the {{mono |qepʼaʼ}} takes place. It is open to anyone who is interested in the Klingon language, and usually takes place in the [[United States]]. The eighth meeting, the first and only ever outside the US, was held in [[Brussels]], [[Belgium]] in 2001 and was organized by Lieven Litaer. At these meetings, attendees discuss and use the Klingon language in both formal lessons and panels, as well as informal activities and events. It is held at a more professional level compared to a standard [[science fiction convention]]. At the {{mono|qepʼaʼ}} conference held in 2003, the development of a documentary movie about the KLI, ''Earthlings: Ugly Bags of Mostly Water'', was unveiled. This movie was presented at the [[Cannes Film Festival]] in France, and provided with a limited theatrical release.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}


In 2022, the Klingon Language Institute relocated its primary operating headquarters from Pennsylvania to Kentucky. During the KLI {{mono|qep'a' wejmaHDIch}} conference held in 2023, Dr. Schoen announced his retirement from the KLI, and was awarded a plaque for his years of service to the organization.
At the {{mono |qepʼaʼ}} of the year 2003, a documentary movie about the KLI was produced. Its name is ''Earthlings: Ugly Bags of Mostly Water''. This movie was presented at the [[Cannes Film Festival]] in France, and was shown in theaters few years after.

During the [[Coronavirus pandemic|coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21]], the KLI held the {{mono |qepʼaʼ}} online on their [[Discord (software)|Discord]] server. These events have had some of the highest attendee rates, with the 28th {{mono |qepʼaʼ}} having over 100 participants. Parallel to this annual meeting, many members of the KLI also organize their own "small meetings", in Klingon called "{{mono |[[qepHom]]}}," which are informal and small local gatherings to practice the Klingon language.

In 2023 the KLI held its first in-person event since the pandemic, {{mono|qep'a' wejmaHDIch}}. This was the 30th {{mono|qep'a'}} and one of the largest to date, with close to 100 participants spread across virtual and in-person attendees. Dr. Schoen announced his retirement from the KLI, and was awarded a plaque for his years of service to the organization.


== Organization ==
== Organization ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2023}}
The KLI Board is currently made up of Chris Lipscombe, board president and [[IT]] Coordinator, Jeremy Cowan, Vice President and {{mono |qep'a'}} Coordinator, and Alan Anderson, Treasurer and primary [[Linguist|Grammarian]].
The KLI board of directors was formed in 1992 and is currently made up of Chris Lipscombe, board president and [[IT]] coordinator, Jeremy Cowan, vice president and {{mono |qep'a'}} coordinator, and Alan Anderson, treasurer and primary [[Linguist|grammarian]].

Among the programs the KLI administers is the [[Klingon Language Certification Program]], which is designed to recognize KLI members for their achievements in learning Klingon. The program defines four levels of certification, from Beginner ("{{mono |taghwI’}}") to Grammarian ("{{mono |pab pIn}}"). Certification is awarded based upon performance on written tests, administered by representatives of the KLI. Testing is available for free to all active KLI members. Currently, only the first three levels have a test, and no one has been awarded the {{mono |pab pIn}} level as of 2023. ''Beginners' Grammarians'' from the email list are not considered {{mono |pab pIn}}.

During the 1990s and 2000s, at intervals ranging from three to eighteen months, a ''Beginners Grammarian'' was elected from among the most experienced intermediate level speakers on the {{Mono|tlhIngan Hol}} [[Electronic mailing list|mailing list]] operated by the KLI. Their duty was to help teach the beginners of the Klingon language who used the email discussion list. The process was designed to help new students of the language while also helping improve the knowledge and skills of the Beginners' Grammarian. When their duty was over, they kept their title of Beginners' Grammarian. The KLI has about 20 former Beginners' Grammarians. Due to the rise of [[social media]] and the decline of email discussion lists, Beginners' Grammarians are no longer chosen.

In 2022 the KLI entered a partnership with [[Duolingo]] to run their Klingon language course.

Over the years the KLI has assisted in the translation of hundreds of licensed Star Trek products.

The KLI is in close contact with [[Marc Okrand]], the creator of the Klingon language, who has visited each {{mono |qepʼaʼ}} since the third one. At those meetings, he receives a wishlist of requests for missing Klingon vocabulary, which he frequently answers. These new words were first published in ''{{mono |HolQeD}}'', and then on the KLI's website, but are now published directly to the website during the event.

== Notable members==
Some Klingonists have gained relative notoriety for various accomplishments. The KLI has awarded the title "Friend of Maltz" to Klingonists who has furthered the language in various significant ways. This award has only been given out to twelve people since the formation of the KLI. Its recipients include: Alan Anderson, William Martin, Mark Shoulson, Rich Yampell, d'Armond Speers, Nick Nicholas, Robyn Stewart, Eric Andeen, Jeremy Cowan, Chris Lipscombe and Lieven L. Litaer

=== Rich Yampell ===
Yampell (known to Klingonists as {{mono |HoD Qanqor}} or "Captain Krankor"), a [[Software engineering|software engineer]] currently residing in [[Bellevue, Washington]], is probably the world's first ever conversational speaker of Klingon. He is the author of the book ''The Grammarian's Desk,'' published in 1996 by the Klingon Language Institute, a collection of the columns he wrote for the institute's scholarly journal <code>''HolQeD''</code>. Yampell is also the author and co-author of numerous songs, such as the Klingon Anthem "{{mono |taHjaj woʼ}}" (music and lyrics), "{{mono |ʼIv maH}}" (music and lyrics), "{{Mono|yIH bom}}" (music). He served as the KLI's Primary [[Linguist|Grammarian]] from its founding until 2022.

=== Lawrence M. Schoen ===
{{Main|Lawrence M. Schoen}}
[[Lawrence M. Schoen]] is the founder of the KLI and former Director. He is the editor of the institute's scholarly journal ''{{mono |HolQeD}}'' and co-creator of the Klingon song "{{mono |yIH bom}}" (lyrics). He had been the organizer of the KLI's annual summer conference, or {{mono |qepʼaʼ}}, until 2015 when he handed coordination of the event over to Jeremy Cowan.

He obtained a [[bachelor's degree]] in [[Psycholinguistics]] from [[California State University, Northridge]], and then [[Master's degree|master's]] and [[Doctorate|doctoral degrees]] in [[cognitive psychology]] from [[Kansas State University]]. He has worked as a professor, teaching and doing research, at [[New College of Florida]], [[Lake Forest College]], [[Chestnut Hill College]], and [[West Chester University]]. More recently he serves as the director of research and [[chief compliance officer]] for the Wedge Medical Center.

He is also a professional science fiction author, a lifetime member of [[Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America|SFWA]], and in 2007 was a finalist for the [[John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer]].

He resides in [[Blue Bell, Pennsylvania]].

=== Chris Lipscombe ===
Lipscombe is the current board President and [[IT]] Director.

He performs the day-to-day administration of the KLI, including maintaining the website, fulfilling merchandise, overseeing the mailing list, and [[Discord (software)|Discord]] server. Chris has completed many Klingon translations projects, the largest of which was the translation of [[A Klingon Christmas Carol]], and served as the original language coach for the Chicago productions of the play. He also worked on translations for the TV show [[The Big Bang Theory]], the movie [[Please Stand By]], various Klingon Pop Warrior songs, the [[Minecraft]] client, and many others. He resides in Kentucky, the current headquarters for the KLI.

=== Alan Anderson ===
Anderson is the current board Treasurer and primary [[Linguist|Grammarian]].

He oversees the KLI's online event calendar and runs a weekly Klingon language discussion on the KLI's [[Discord (software)|Discord]] server. He has also served as a Beginners Grammarian on the KLI's mailing list. He is one of the most skilled Klingon speakers on the planet. He has worked on a number of translation projects, including ''[[Star Trek: Discovery]]'', IDW's Blood Will Tell comic, Marvel Comics' Starfleet Academy #18 Klingon Language edition, and the April Fools webpage and video of [[Mount Vernon]]. He also provides voices for the [[Duolingo]] Klingon language course.

=== Jeremy Cowan ===
Cowan is the current board Vice President and {{mono |qep'a'}} Coordinator.

He was part of the team that originally created the [[Duolingo]] Klingon language course and currently oversees the KLI's partnership with [[Duolingo]]. He has been a member of the KLI since 1992 and attended the Klingon Language Camp in Red Lake Falls, MN. He has served as the language coach for the Chicago productions of [[A Klingon Christmas Carol]], taking over from Lipscombe in 2012.

=== d'Armond Speers ===
Speers is an American [[Computational linguistics|computational linguist]] and the creator of the Certification Program.

He graduated from [[Georgetown University]] in the Spring of 2002. His dissertation topic was "Representation of [[Machine translation of sign languages|American Sign Language for Machine Translation]]".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://higbee.cots.net/Holtej//lx.htm# |title=d'Armond Speers homepage |access-date=2008-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212180824/http://higbee.cots.net/Holtej/lx.htm# |archive-date=2007-12-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Speers is known for having undertaken the endeavor to raise his child [[bilingual]]ly in English and Klingon; Speers spoke in Klingon and his wife in English.<ref>[http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/10873/klingon-as-a-second-language Eddie Dean: ''Klingon as a Second Language'', Washingtoncitypaper.com, August 9, 1996]</ref> A few years into his life, the child began rejecting Klingon and gravitating towards English, as he could use English with many more speakers. At the time of Speers' attempt, Klingon even lacked words for many objects common around the house, such as "table". The experiment ultimately failed when the child refused to use Klingon when he got older,<ref>[https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/7.08/mustread.html?pg=8 Gavin Edwards: ''Babble On Revisited'', Wired Magazine, Issue 7.08, August 1999]</ref> and Speers abandoned the project in 1997.

== Publications ==
* ''[[HolQeD]]'', the quarterly journal of the KLI containing grammatical discussions, new Klingon words, Klingon literature as well as internal information for the members. [''Ceased publication ca. 2003'']
* ''[[A Pictorial Guide to the Verbal Suffixes of tlhIngan Hol]]'' (1995, {{ISBN|0-9644345-0-4}}) [''no longer available in printed form, but is available as an Ebook''] A book with drawings explaining the use of different [[suffix]]es.
* ''<code>[[ghIlghameS]]</code>'' (2000, {{ISBN|1-58715-338-6}}). The Klingon version of the [[Epic of Gilgamesh]], translated by Roger Cheesbro, with an introduction by Lawrence M. Schoen.
* ''[[The Klingon Hamlet]]'' (full title: ''The Tragedy of Khamlet, Son of the Emperor of <code>[[Qo'noS]]</code>'') The Klingon translation of Shakespeare's most famous work, translated by [[Nick Nicholas]] and [[Andrew Strader]] supported by the KLI. This project was initiated after the [[Gorkon|Klingon Chancellor Gorkon]] ([[David Warner (actor)|David Warner]]) stated in ''[[Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country]]'', "You have not experienced Shakespeare until you have read him in the original Klingon." The KLI printed and published a limited edition hardback version in 1996, entitled ''Hamlet Prince of Denmark: The Restored Klingon Version'' ({{ISBN|0-9644345-1-2}}). ''Star Trek'' publisher [[Pocket Books]] published the work as a trade paperback ({{ISBN|0-671-03578-9}}) in 2000.
* ''[[Much Ado about Nothing]]'' in Klingon (2003, {{ISBN|1-58715-501-X}}). Translated by Nick Nicholas.
* ''[[From the Grammarian's Desk]]'' ({{ISBN|0-9644345-3-9}}) [''no longer available''] A collection of grammatical wisdom from the ''<code>HolQeD</code>'' column by Captain Krankor, the first grammarian of the KLI.
* ''[[Tao Te Ching]]'' (2008). A Klingon translation and a new English translation of [[Laozi|Lao Tzu]]'s classic, by Agnieszka Solska, published as a trade paperback ({{ISBN|978-09644345-5-4}}) and a hardcover version ({{ISBN|978-09644345-2-3}}).
* ''[[Sunzi's Art of War]]'' (2018). A Klingon translation and a new English translation of the Chinese classic, by Agnieszka Solska, published as print on demand ({{ISBN|096443458X}}) and ({{ISBN|978-0964434585}}).
* ''[[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]]'' (). A Klingon translation of the [[L. Frank Baum]] book by Jackson Bradley, published as a trade paperback.
* ''{{mono |cha' monmey}}'' (2021). An original Klingon novel, the first of its kind to be published, by Jackson Bradley. Published as a trade paperback.

== Collaborations ==
Having some of the most experienced Klingon speakers, the KLI is often contacted for or involved in translations before they are published. This work may include reviews or even complete translation work.

* ''Star Trek: Starfleet Academy series {{mono |mangHom qaD}}!'' (1998)
:A Star Trek comic by [[Marvel Comics]] was translated by Alan Anderson and David Trimboli, coordinated by Lawrence Schoen, and edited by Chip Carter.

* ''Star Trek: Klingons - "Blood Will Tell"'' (2007)
:The production of the comic publisher [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] was translated by KLI members Alan Anderson, Roger Cheesbro, Rich Yampell and Lawrence M. Schoen.

* Klingon ''[[Monopoly (game)|Monopoly]]'' (2011)
:The Klingon version of the board game ''Monopoly'' was translated by Marc Okrand and the KLI.


Among the programs the KLI administers is the Klingon Language Certification Program, which is designed to recognize KLI members for their achievements in learning Klingon. The program defines four levels of certification, from Beginner ("{{mono |taghwI’}}") to Grammarian ("{{mono |pab pIn}}"). Certification is awarded based upon performance on written tests, administered by representatives of the KLI. Testing is available for free to all active KLI members. Currently, only the first three levels have a test, and no one has been awarded the {{mono |pab pIn}} level as of 2023. ''Beginners' Grammarians'' from the email list are not considered {{mono |pab pIn}}.
* {{mono |paq'batlh}} (2011)
:The book for the [[ʼuʼ|opera <code>ʼuʼ</code>]] was reviewed before publication.


During the 1990s and 2000s, at intervals ranging from three to eighteen months, a ''Beginners Grammarian'' was elected from among the most experienced intermediate level speakers on the {{Mono|tlhIngan Hol}} [[Electronic mailing list|mailing list]] operated by the KLI. Their duty was to help teach the beginners of the Klingon language who used the email discussion list. The process was designed to help new students of the language while also helping improve the knowledge and skills of the Beginners' Grammarian. When their duty was over, they kept their title of Beginners' Grammarian. The KLI has over twenty former Beginners' Grammarians.
* ''Klingon Manual of the [[Klingon Bird Of Prey|Bird of Prey]]'' (2013)
:A book about a Klingon space ship was reviewed before publication.


Some Klingonists have gained relative notoriety for various accomplishments. The KLI has awarded the title "Friend of Maltz" to Klingonists who has furthered the language in various significant ways. This award has only been given out to twelve people since the formation of the KLI. Its recipients are Alan Anderson, William Martin, Mark Shoulson, Rich Yampell, d'Armond Speers, Nick Nicholas, Robyn Stewart, Eric Andeen, Jeremy Cowan, Chris Lipscombe and Lieven L. Litaer.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
* ''How to Speak Klingon'' (2013)
:This audio [[phrase book]] with Klingon daily-use sentences was translated by the KLI and the audio samples were spoken by its director, [[Lawrence M. Schoen]].


Over the years the KLI has assisted in the translation of hundreds of licensed ''Star Trek'' products. Having some of the most experienced Klingon speakers, the KLI is often contacted for or involved in translations before they are published. This work may include reviews or even complete translation work. Collaborative publications, releases and products include the 2011 ''[[List of licensed and localized editions of Monopoly: USA|Star Trek Klingon Collector's Edition]]'' of the [[board game]] [[Monopoly (game)|Monopoly]], [[comics]], [[Owner's manual|manuals]], the miniature ''Star Trek: How to Speak Klingon'' (2013) [[phrase book]] (including audio samples provided by Schoen), and the rock song ''[[Star Trek Online]]: Steel and Flame'' (2021). Additionally, the Klingon Language Institute provided assistance in reviewing ''{{mono |paq'batlh}}'' (2011), the companion book for the [[Klingon opera]] <code>[[ʼuʼ]]</code>.
* ''Star Trek: Manifest Destiny'' (2016)
:The production of the comic publisher [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] was translated by KLI members Roger Cheesbro, Chris Lipscombe, and Jeremy Cowan.


The institute is in close contact with [[Marc Okrand]], the creator of the Klingon language, who has visited each {{mono |qepʼaʼ}} since the third one. At those meetings, he receives a wishlist of requests for unaccounted terms within Klingon vocabulary, which he frequently addresses and answers. The first significant batch of these new words were first published in ''{{mono |HolQeD}}'', and they were also made available for free on the KLI's website, although these compilations are now published directly to the website following inquiries and events.
* ''[[Star Trek Online]]: Steel and Flame'' (2021)
:This rock song written by [[Jason Charles Miller]] and sung by [[Mary Chieffo]], (who played [[L'Rell]] in ''[[Star Trek: Discovery]]'') was translated by KLI members, primarily Chris Lipscombe.


== Publications and translations ==
* ''Baby's First Klingon Words'' (2022)
* ''HolQeD'', a quarterly journal of the KLI containing grammatical discussions, new Klingon words, Klingon literature as well as internal information for the members; it ceased publication in 2003.
:A board book by [[Insight Editions]] that contains pictures and words in both Klingon and English.
* ''A Pictorial Guide to the Verbal Suffixes of tlhIngan Hol'' (1995) by [[Lawrence M. Schoen]], an illustrative book with drawings, infographics and linguistic examinations which explains the role and/or purpose of different Klingon [[suffix]]es.
* ''From the Grammarian's Desk'' (1996), a collection of grammatical wisdom from the ''<code>HolQeD</code>'' column by Rich Yampell, credited as "Captain Krankor" or {{mono |HoD Qanqor}}.
* ''cha' monmey'' (2021) by Jackson Bradley, the world's first novel to be originally written in and published in Klingon.
* ''[[Gilgamesh in the arts and popular culture|ghIlghameS]]'', a Klingon translation of the [[Epic of Gilgamesh]].
* ''[[The Klingon Hamlet]]'' (full title: ''The Tragedy of Khamlet, Son of the Emperor of <code>[[Qo'noS]]</code>''), a Klingon translation of [[William Shakespeare|William Shakespeare's]] ''[[Hamlet]]''; this project was initiated after the [[Gorkon|Klingon Chancellor Gorkon]] stated in ''[[Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country]]'', "You have not experienced Shakespeare until you have read him in the original Klingon."
* ''paghmo' tIn mIS'', a slightly abridged Klingon translation of [[William Shakespeare|William Shakespeare's]] ''[[Much Ado about Nothing]]''.
* ''pIn'a' qan paQDI'norgh'', a slightly abridged Klingon translation (including a new English translation) of [[Laozi|Lao Tzu]]'s ''[[Tao Te Ching]].''
* ''<nowiki/>'aS 'IDnar pIn'a' Dun'', an abridged Klingon trannslation of ''[[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]].''
* ''chIjwI' tIQ bom'', an unabridged Klingon translation of [[Samuel Taylor Coleridge|Samuel Taylor Coleridge's]] poem ''[[The Rime of the Ancient Mariner]]'' (1798); accompanied by [[Gustave Doré|Gustave Doré's]] 19th-century illustrations.
* ''raQpo''', an abridged Klingon translation of [[Robert Silverberg|Robert Silverberg's]] [[Nebula Award for Best Short Story|Nebula Award]]-winning short story "Passengers" (1968).


== References ==
== References ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Wikibooks|Klingon}}
{{Wikibooks|Klingon}}
* [http://www.kli.org/ Website of the KLI] (www.kli.org/)
* [https://www.kli.org/ Website of the KLI] (www.kli.org/)
* {{IMDb title|0476986|Earthlings: Ugly Bags of Mostly Water|2004 documentary}}
* {{IMDb title|0476986|Earthlings: Ugly Bags of Mostly Water|2004 documentary}}
* [https://www.amazon.com/Earthlings-Ugly-Bags-Mostly-Water/dp/B001LVOONQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top/185-5087917-8490964 ''Earthlings: Ugly Bags of Mostly Water'', Amazon]


{{Klingon}}
{{Klingon}}
Line 153: Line 83:
[[Category:Organizations based in Kentucky]]
[[Category:Organizations based in Kentucky]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1992]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1992]]
[[Category:Language-learning websites]]

Revision as of 22:55, 23 November 2023

Klingon Language Institute
Klingon Language Institute, Inc
tlhIngan Hol yejHaD
AbbreviationKLI
Formation1992
FounderLawrence M. Schoen
TypeNon-profit, volunteer-based
PurposeKlingon language preservation, research, educational outreach and promotion
HeadquartersNorthern Kentucky
Board President
Chris Lipscombe
Board Vice-President
Jeremy Cowan
Chris Lipscombe, Jeremy Cowan, Alan Anderson
Websitehttps://kli.org
On this page, Klingon text in the Latin alphabet is displayed in typewriter font, and with the modifier letter apostrophe ( ʼ ) rather than the ASCII apostrophe ( ' ), which is a punctuation mark.
See Klingon language § Writing systems.

The Klingon Language Institute (KLI) is an independent organization originally founded in Flourtown, Pennsylvania and now located in Kentucky. Its goal is to promote the Klingon language and culture.

General

The KLI has members from all over the world.[1] For 13 years, it published a quarterly journal HolQeD (Klingon for "linguistics"), before discontinuing the paper mailings and changing to an electronic version which quickly stopped entirely. It also published the fiction and poetry magazine jatmey for three volumes. It now publishes a number of translated works, including The Wizard of Oz, the Tao Te Ching, the Epic of Gilgamesh, Much Ado About Nothing and others. Each year, the KLI hosts a five-day conference called the qepʼaʼ (Klingon for "great meeting"), which is open to both members and anyone interested in the language.[2] The KLI is running several projects, including the administration of the Duolingo Klingon language course, translation into Klingon of a number of award-winning science fiction short stories, books of the Bible, and works by Shakespeare. The motto of the institute is "qoʼmey poSmoH Hol", which means "Language opens worlds".

The KLI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation and exists to facilitate the scholarly exploration of the Klingon language and culture. It has the permission of CBS Studios to use trademarks such as "Star Trek" and "Klingon".[citation needed]

History

The KLI was founded in 1992 in Flourtown, Pennsylvania by psychology researcher and linguistics writer Lawrence M. Schoen, with the intention of launching and operating a more in-depth organization from which he and others could work in "an ongoing career of lectures at conventions and museums across three continents, and [aid in] the development of a loose affiliation of language scholars and amateurs throughout fifty countries" which were dedicated to "the world's most popular fictional language".[3]

Each year, in midsummer, an annual meeting called the qepʼaʼ takes place. It is open to anyone who is interested in the Klingon language, and usually takes place in the United States. The eighth meeting, the first and only ever outside the US, was held in Brussels, Belgium in 2001 and was organized by Lieven Litaer. At these meetings, attendees discuss and use the Klingon language in both formal lessons and panels, as well as informal activities and events. It is held at a more professional level compared to a standard science fiction convention. At the qepʼaʼ conference held in 2003, the development of a documentary movie about the KLI, Earthlings: Ugly Bags of Mostly Water, was unveiled. This movie was presented at the Cannes Film Festival in France, and provided with a limited theatrical release.[citation needed]

In 2022, the Klingon Language Institute relocated its primary operating headquarters from Pennsylvania to Kentucky. During the KLI qep'a' wejmaHDIch conference held in 2023, Dr. Schoen announced his retirement from the KLI, and was awarded a plaque for his years of service to the organization.

Organization

The KLI board of directors was formed in 1992 and is currently made up of Chris Lipscombe, board president and IT coordinator, Jeremy Cowan, vice president and qep'a' coordinator, and Alan Anderson, treasurer and primary grammarian.

Among the programs the KLI administers is the Klingon Language Certification Program, which is designed to recognize KLI members for their achievements in learning Klingon. The program defines four levels of certification, from Beginner ("taghwI’") to Grammarian ("pab pIn"). Certification is awarded based upon performance on written tests, administered by representatives of the KLI. Testing is available for free to all active KLI members. Currently, only the first three levels have a test, and no one has been awarded the pab pIn level as of 2023. Beginners' Grammarians from the email list are not considered pab pIn.

During the 1990s and 2000s, at intervals ranging from three to eighteen months, a Beginners Grammarian was elected from among the most experienced intermediate level speakers on the tlhIngan Hol mailing list operated by the KLI. Their duty was to help teach the beginners of the Klingon language who used the email discussion list. The process was designed to help new students of the language while also helping improve the knowledge and skills of the Beginners' Grammarian. When their duty was over, they kept their title of Beginners' Grammarian. The KLI has over twenty former Beginners' Grammarians.

Some Klingonists have gained relative notoriety for various accomplishments. The KLI has awarded the title "Friend of Maltz" to Klingonists who has furthered the language in various significant ways. This award has only been given out to twelve people since the formation of the KLI. Its recipients are Alan Anderson, William Martin, Mark Shoulson, Rich Yampell, d'Armond Speers, Nick Nicholas, Robyn Stewart, Eric Andeen, Jeremy Cowan, Chris Lipscombe and Lieven L. Litaer.[citation needed]

Over the years the KLI has assisted in the translation of hundreds of licensed Star Trek products. Having some of the most experienced Klingon speakers, the KLI is often contacted for or involved in translations before they are published. This work may include reviews or even complete translation work. Collaborative publications, releases and products include the 2011 Star Trek Klingon Collector's Edition of the board game Monopoly, comics, manuals, the miniature Star Trek: How to Speak Klingon (2013) phrase book (including audio samples provided by Schoen), and the rock song Star Trek Online: Steel and Flame (2021). Additionally, the Klingon Language Institute provided assistance in reviewing paq'batlh (2011), the companion book for the Klingon opera ʼuʼ.

The institute is in close contact with Marc Okrand, the creator of the Klingon language, who has visited each qepʼaʼ since the third one. At those meetings, he receives a wishlist of requests for unaccounted terms within Klingon vocabulary, which he frequently addresses and answers. The first significant batch of these new words were first published in HolQeD, and they were also made available for free on the KLI's website, although these compilations are now published directly to the website following inquiries and events.

Publications and translations

References

  1. ^ KLI Throughout the World Archived 1997-04-06 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Annual qepʼaʼ information Archived 2008-05-14 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Schoen, Lawrence M. (2011-01-01). "Biography". Lawrence M. Schoen. Archived from the original on 2019-07-03. Retrieved 2023-11-23.

External links

Wikibooks has a book on the topic of: Klingon
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