Department of Language and Lexicology

The Illuminatia Department of Language and Lexicology (DLL) is an agency of the Illuminatian government responsible for maintaining and conveying a standard for Glossa Communi—the common verbal and written language used in Illuminatia.

The DLL is Illuminatia's authority on language usage, vocabulary, and grammar. Any changes to the common lexicon or to the accepted usage of the language must be approved through the DLL before being implemented in public and official usage.

The DLL maintains language institutes regionally that observe the usage of Glossa Communi and convey standards for usage and vocabulary on a more localized scale. Newspapers, magazines, publishers, and broadcasters subscribe to standards circulated by the DLL to ensure they are using the common language appropriately.

The DLL oversees two agencies which manage the standardization of non-lexicological language forms. The Office of Glyphs and Symbols (OGS) maintains standards for the symbols, pictographs, and other non-alphabetical, non-numeral figures used in written communication. The Office of Initialisms and Acronyms (OIA) registers initialisms, acronyms, and other abbreviated collections of letters of the alphabet, numerals, and other characters.

The DLL was established to ensure the diverse, widely-dispersed populace of Illuminatia is able to communicate effectively without many of the common language barriers that plagued the Earth of antiquity. The common recognition and acceptance of one common language for use in trade, industry, science, education, legal and contractual matters, and democratic dialogue facilitates the swift progress of the Illuminatian branch of humanity and reduces misunderstandings that might arise from uncommon usage of the common language. Reducing misinterpretation of verbal and written communication due to the assignment of multiple meanings to the same terminology or varying terminology to the same concept improves safety, reduces potential unwanted liabilities, and decreases potential losses by maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of that communication.

As a result of these efforts, the constant, gradual morphological change to the Glossa Communi language in Illuminatia is slowed dramatically compared to the previously blazing fast pace of language change experienced on Earth. Historical records and literature of artistic merit is preserved in a comprehendible form for much longer periods of time thanks to these language standards. Evolution of slang terminology is decelerated, allowing for broader appreciation for humor and innuendo and wider adoption of a vernacular that doesn't quickly become outdated and unfashionable.