Quote:
Originally Posted by Van Rijn
Yep, it's annoying when an alien starts in another language, then manages to start speaking English complete with correct mouth movement, and it is explained as "translation by Universal Translator." Given the time limits of a TV show, I understand the issue with language and a brief mention of a "UT" is acceptable, but once they start focusing on the magic technology, it looks silly.
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Ever seen the dismal Viking movie
The 13th Warrior? An Arab (Antonio Banderas) falls in with a band of Norsemen. He doesn't speak the language of the Vikings, so he sits by the campfire for a few nights and picks it up by listening and watching the Vikings swear and curse. Now I'm sure if you hung with some foul-smelling Vikings for a few days, you'd pick up the ability to say things like "food," "grog" and "gut him." But I doubt you'd be able to enter into a complex dialogue comparing the Nordic and Arab cultures and religions. One of the more laughable ways I've seen the language barrier breached in film.