'Game of Thrones' App 'Dothraki Companion': Features, Price & Where To Download
Fans keeping up with the long wait for the comeback of HBO's "Game of Thrones" can rejoice with an app for now.
The "Dothraki Companion," created by publisher Random House, is now available for the iPhone and iPad. Selling at $3.99, the app teaches fans (learners, so to speak) the native language of Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo.
According to The Guardian, the app was produced by the linguist-creator of the Dothraki language David J. Peterson.
"Dothraki Companion" as a teaching manual will not be a primitive lecture guide. The app contains games, vocabulary flashcards, grammar summary, culture notes and a conversational dialogue. The App Store advertises, "The Dothraki Companion app will arm you with enough vocabulary and grammar to have a complete conversation in Dothraki."
CNET reported that the horselords' language has no writing system and follows the sequence of subject-verb-object. In addition, it utilizes a four-vowel system. "Hash yer dothrae chek?" (How are you?) and "Anha zhilak year" (I love you) are some of the phrases included in the app. Pronunciation guidelines are also included.
But learning Dothraki never stops with a single app. HNGN cited the Living Language web site, which hosts extensive learning materials. The site tells that its Dothraki book "features a pronunciation guide, basic phrases, a detailed guide to grammar, 250 vocabulary words organized in eleven thematic lists, a dialogue, culture notes, and 50 written exercise questions to test your Dothraki." A supplementary CD provides room for audio learning. The set is priced for $19.99.
An expanded online course sells at $ 30. It is a one-year subscription which includes five progressive lessons. Entertainment Weekly mentioned an unofficial web site to teach Dothraki for free.
The "Dothraki Companion" is not the first app released for HBO's fictional adventure drama. The Guardian cited "A Game of Thrones: The Official Companion" by HarperCollins, "George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire--A Game of Thrones Guide" by Random House and "Game of Thrones Ascent" by Kongregate as earlier-released applications.
The "Game of Thrones" franchise is based on George Raymond Richard Martin's bestselling book series "A Song of Ice and Fire." Goodreads noted that the title's recognitions: Nebula Award Nominee (1998), Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel (1997), World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel (1997) and Ignotus for Novela extranjera (2003).
Meanwhile, HBO announced "Game of Thrones" Season 5 to premiere on Spring 2015.
Download a free sample of the Dothraki book here.
Purchase and download the "Dothraki Companion" app here (open via iTunes).