Local fans of the popular television show “Game of Thrones” and its action-packed fantasy setting have a chance next month to hear from a linguist who created the show’s memorable languages.

David J. Peterson, a professional language creator, will visit Western Kentucky University on April 13 as part of the annual Paul G. and Ernestine G. Hatcher lecture series through the Department of Modern Languages. His presentation will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Downing Student Union Auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public.

McGee was inspired to invite Peterson to campus after seeing how the show’s characters use their language fluencies to win allies and loyalty. For McGee, that reflected part of her department’s mission.

“We teach living languages (and) knowing those languages helps you communicate with people, helps you access culture, helps you solve problems,” McGee said.

During his talk, Peterson will discuss his work and the community of language creators, McGee said. Aside from “Game of Thrones,” he’s created languages for the film “Doctor Strange” and TV shows including “Emerald City” and “The 100,” according to a WKU news release.

Peterson is also the author of “The Art of Language Invention: From Horse-Lords to Dark Elves, the Words Behind World-Building.” He’ll sign copies of his book after his talk at Nite Class in DSU.

Jeremy McFarland, a senior from Campbellsville, said he’s looking forward to Peterson’s visit.

“I think it’s a really great opportunity for students to learn more about language and also get a chance to interact with popular culture,” he said.

McFarland, who’s studying Chinese, said he appreciates how Peterson uses the basic elements of language to create something different.

“I’m very interested in the things that he’s been able to do with language,” McFarland said, citing a language that can only be written and not spoken as one example.

The lecture is part of the annual Paul G. and Ernestine G. Hatcher Modern Language Lecture Series, which is sponsored through a gift made by Graham Hatcher to honor his parents. Paul G. Hatcher taught Spanish at WKU for 27 years and was the first dean of the Potter College of Arts and Letters, according to a news release.

Along with the Department of Modern Languages, the event is being sponsored by the Potter College of Arts and Letters, the WKU Popular Culture Studies program and the School of Journalism and Broadcasting.

Barnes & Noble will offer Peterson’s book for sale and a portion of the sales will be donated for student scholarships in the Department of Modern Languages.

McGee hopes the event will help students appreciate language on a deeper level.

“I would like for them to come away with some wonder and amazement with how languages work,” she said.