Lawrence M. Schoen

Lawrence M. Schoen

Lawrence M. Schoen is an American author, psychologist, and expert in the field of linguistics, best known for his contributions to the genre of science fiction. Schoen holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, with a focus on the psychology of language, which often plays a significant role in his speculative fiction works. He is also the founder of the Klingon Language Institute, an organization dedicated to the study and promotion of the Klingon language from the Star Trek franchise.

Biography

Lawrence M. Schoen was born in Chicago, Illinois, and has spent much of his professional career balancing his interests in psychology, linguistics, and writing. He received his doctoral degree in cognitive psychology, which has informed both his academic and creative pursuits. Schoen's academic work has focused on the understanding of language and the mind, while his fiction often explores the implications of linguistic and psychological theories in futuristic or alien settings.

Career

Literary Work

Schoen's literary career is marked by a diverse range of works, including novels, short stories, and contributions to anthologies. His fiction frequently explores themes of language, communication, and the human condition through the lens of science fiction. One of his most notable series is the Barsk series, which includes the novels Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard and its sequel. These books are set in a universe where anthropomorphic animals inherit the earth and develop their own societies and languages. Schoen's work on the Barsk series has been praised for its imaginative world-building and exploration of complex themes such as death, memory, and exclusion.

Klingon Language Institute

In addition to his writing, Lawrence M. Schoen is perhaps equally well-known for his role in the Klingon Language Institute (KLI), an organization he founded to promote the study and teaching of the Klingon language. The KLI has been instrumental in fostering a community of Klingon language enthusiasts and scholars, contributing to the development of Klingon as a fully realized constructed language. Schoen's work with the KLI underscores his interest in linguistics and the power of language to create and define communities.

Awards and Recognition

Schoen has received several awards and nominations for his work in science fiction and linguistics. His novel Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard was nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel, highlighting his ability to weave complex narratives that challenge readers to think deeply about language, society, and humanity.

Bibliography

Novels

• Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard
• Sequel to Barsk

Short Stories

• A collection of short stories exploring various science fiction themes.

Personal Life

Lawrence M. Schoen maintains an active presence in the science fiction community, attending conventions and participating in panels and discussions about writing, linguistics, and the psychology of language. He continues to write and contribute to the fields of linguistics and speculative fiction, while also promoting the study and appreciation of constructed languages.