A true science fiction episode, getting to the core of seeking out and communicating with new ciivilizations. Many languages here on Earth are as strange or stranger in conception than the Tamarians...
A language, or rather, mode of communication that is all allusion is an interesting idea, but totally impracticable. How do you use ancient myth to convey instructions to perform open heart surgery? Draw up a contract? Build a warp drive engine? You can't; you're limited to vague generalisations evoking broad emotional states.
This race wouldn't be capable of intersteller flight, let alone intergalactic exploration.
@ishtarg8 Not to mention, how do you teach this language? Do you just throw a ball at a baby and say 'Grillnack at the World Cup'? And if this language is completely told through references to stories, how do you learn the stories to begin with? I imagine it would be difficult telling the story of Shaka when the walls fell because you are constantly refering to Darmok and Gilad at Tanagra, where Temba had his arms open :P
It has been suggested that this is a language used to speak to aliens, or strangers, not a form of communication used by the aliens themselves on a quotidian basis. But since the metaphors within the language are so culturally specific, this opens them to a charge of cultural chauvanism unseemly in a race so advanced. Let's face facts: it's a deeply stupid story idea, and should never have been released from the writer's room.
I'm not a Trek person at all, but I saw this when it aired 20 years ago and thought about it today as a friend and I were talking about language. I was able to find it by only remembering that the character said "And the walls fell". Maybe that metaphoric method of communication really does work!
Abrams his script lacking,
Roddenberry in his grave spinning.
macewindu67 1 month ago
Great Episode. I also like "Inner Light" and "Who Watches The Watchers"
aMulliganStew 1 month ago
A true science fiction episode, getting to the core of seeking out and communicating with new ciivilizations. Many languages here on Earth are as strange or stranger in conception than the Tamarians...
Mality 2 months ago
Darmok! and... Gilad! on the ocean!
Gilgamesh! and Enkiddu!...at URUK!
FRODO. and...SAMWISE. at...MT. DOOM!
TALKING! like....PICARD! is....EPIC!
MattFerrantino 5 months ago 2
I also really love this scene. EXCELLENT episode. Thank you for putting it up!
TheThunderer1701 5 months ago
Comment removed
ishtarg8 5 months ago
A language, or rather, mode of communication that is all allusion is an interesting idea, but totally impracticable. How do you use ancient myth to convey instructions to perform open heart surgery? Draw up a contract? Build a warp drive engine? You can't; you're limited to vague generalisations evoking broad emotional states.
This race wouldn't be capable of intersteller flight, let alone intergalactic exploration.
ishtarg8 5 months ago
@ishtarg8 Not to mention, how do you teach this language? Do you just throw a ball at a baby and say 'Grillnack at the World Cup'? And if this language is completely told through references to stories, how do you learn the stories to begin with? I imagine it would be difficult telling the story of Shaka when the walls fell because you are constantly refering to Darmok and Gilad at Tanagra, where Temba had his arms open :P
TheRhinehart86 4 months ago
@TheRhinehart86
It has been suggested that this is a language used to speak to aliens, or strangers, not a form of communication used by the aliens themselves on a quotidian basis. But since the metaphors within the language are so culturally specific, this opens them to a charge of cultural chauvanism unseemly in a race so advanced. Let's face facts: it's a deeply stupid story idea, and should never have been released from the writer's room.
ishtarg8 4 months ago
The Alien commander is Paul Winfield. Also seen in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan as the ill-fated Captain Clark Terrell.
Champion1970 7 months ago
I'm not a Trek person at all, but I saw this when it aired 20 years ago and thought about it today as a friend and I were talking about language. I was able to find it by only remembering that the character said "And the walls fell". Maybe that metaphoric method of communication really does work!
SAChopMaster 9 months ago