How realistic is Star Trek’s Tamarian language? - Darmok and Jalad (www.youtube.com)

submitted 1 year ago by Zagorath@aussie.zone to c/startrek@startrek.website

24 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I thought this video was absolutely fascinating throughout, even the ad.

The main thrust of it is about how natural Earth languages make use of idiom and metaphor frequently, and how Tamarian is subtly different from this. But we do also make use of a similar direct literary allusion, to different degrees in different languages. Mandarin has a number of examples, but we can also point to "crossing the Rubicon" as an example in English.

More recently, the use of memes has taken on a very Tamarian-like role.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[-] charonn0@startrek.website 6 points 1 year ago

I can’t imagine “Temba, his arms wide”-ing a way to warp capabilities.

There's a fan theory that they use a distinct music-based writing system for math and technology.

[-] Nmyownworld@startrek.website 3 points 1 year ago

That sounds interesting. Do you have a link to that discussion? I don't know anything about music theory, but connecting it to the Tamarian language could be a fascinating read.

[-] charonn0@startrek.website 4 points 1 year ago

OK, I found the post from daytrom I remembered, which said the idea came from a beta canon story. So I checked the Memory-Beta page for the Tamarians and it says the idea comes from a short story called Friends with the Sparrows by Christopher Bennett. I haven't been able to find a copy of it online, though.

[-] Nmyownworld@startrek.website 3 points 1 year ago

Thanks for finding these. I'll check them out.

[-] charonn0@startrek.website 1 points 1 year ago

I don't remember where, probably a post on /r/daystrominstitute

[-] Nmyownworld@startrek.website 1 points 1 year ago

I'll take a look-see. Thanks for the heads up.

this post was submitted on 20 Jul 2023

62 points (98.4% liked)

Star Trek Social Club

10571 readers

190 users here now

r/startrek: The Next Generation

Star Trek news and discussion. No slash fic...

Maybe a little slash fic.

New to Star Trek and wondering where to start?

Rules

1 Be constructive

All posts/comments must be thoughtful and balanced.

2 Be welcoming

It is important that everyone from newbies to OG Trekkers feel welcome, no matter their gender, sexual orientation, religion or race.

3 Be truthful

All posts/comments must be factually accurate and verifiable. We are not a place for gossip, rumors, or manipulative or misleading content.

4 Be nice

If a polite way cannot be found to phrase what it is you want to say, don't say anything at all. Insulting or disparaging remarks about any human being are expressly not allowed.

5 Spoilers

Utilize the spoiler system for any and all spoilers relating to the most recently-aired episode. There is no formal spoiler protection for episodes/films after they have been available for approximately one week.

6 Keep on-topic

All busmittions must be directly about the Star Trek franchise (the shows, movies, books, etc.). Off-topic discussions are welcome at c/Quarks.

7 Meta

Questions and concerns about moderator actions should be brought forward via DM.

Upcoming Episodes