Khuzdul is the language of the Dwarves in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, but it is a secret language. Thus we, the readers, have only a few tidbits about this language; just a few words and phrases. This page is intended primarily as a resource for Dwarven players in the future MMORPG Middle-earth online, but will also be of use to Dwarven players in other games based on Middle-earth, such as the many MUD's that exist on the net. These players will on occasion have the desire to name some of their creations (such as guilds) in Khuzdul. Since there is so little of written Khuzdul in Tolkien's works, this page is an endeavor to piece together what little there is and come up with a workable language that can be used by ME players. Those who are simply interested in Middle-earth, especially those who study its languages may find this site appealing as well, if only as a curiosity.

Many people are of course fans of Tolkien, and regard his works as near sacred. I count myself among those. Because Tolkien took such care in crafting the languages of Middle-earth, these fans take said languages VERY seriously. So let me state what this work is NOT:

This is NOT an effort to create an "official" dictionary of Khuzdul. In no way am I attempting to match the esteemed professor. I am not a linguistic scholar. I am simply one person who loves Middle-earth, and will be playing the Middle-earth online game. This is intended SOLELY to be a resource for that game, and a creative look at what Khuzdul MIGHT have been like.

What this work IS intended to be, as stated above, is a resource. I will make all attempts to use "official" material from Tolkien's works, and to stay within patterns established by that material. If at any time in the future I learn of any new "official" knowledge of Khuzdul, this version will be updated to reflect that knowledge. My understanding though, is that the only information I don't have access to is a few notes regarding phonology. Thus there will probably be very few updates of this sort.

My method of creating this version of Khuzdul is to take what official material exists, and from there make the most logical assumptions and deductions I can. Thus the majority of the material is a result of guesswork and creativity. Much of it is based on the ideas of the Ardalambion website. The analysis set forth on that site has provided me with a starting point for creating a workable language. It may or may not be how Khuzdul is truly structured, but in the lack of other information to go on, I have found it quite useful. Also of great use has been the Elfling mailing list, to give thoughts on what Khuzdul exists. Other resources have been websites listed in the links, as well as books on Hebrew and Arabic.

For anyone who wishes to comment on any of this work, just head for the Forum using the link on the side. I welcome thoughts regarding this work. While I may not be able to reply to everyone for debate, any input will be useful in uncovering the details of this language. I will also use the Forum for posting news and updates regarding this project.

An interesting side note (that at least I find ironic), is that I go by the handle of "Aulë" on the Middle-earth Online message boards. The Vala I took the name from is of course the one that created the Dwarves and Khuzdul. Interesting that I should be the one to take up this project... :)

So I hope that you Middle-earth Online players out there find this useful, and that Tolkien fans from all over who happen upon this site will find that it is at least an earnest attempt to stay within the spirit of Tolkien's works. So much the better if it provides a greater appreciation for Khuzdul, which I find to be a fascinating language. I hope you do as well.

- Jay Lawson / "Aulë"