Language in the Splatoon series: Difference between revisions

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The Octolings seem to have their own language seen in [[Octo Valley]] and [[Octo Canyon]]. It has many similarities to the Inkling language but seems to be in a more box-style font unlike the Inkling language, which can be in a variety of fonts. The Octoling language seems to have two dialects similar to Japanese: the normal Octolings make Inkling-esque sounds, while [[Octosniper]]s, [[Octocommander]]s and all varieties of [[Octotrooper]] make groaning sounds that mimic the noises Inklings and Octolings make when they take damage or are splatted. The noises [[Jellyfish]] make ([[Jelonzo]] and [[Jelfonzo]], as other Jellyfish are never heard talking) seem to speak in the same "groaning" dialect, implying that some Jellyfish speak Octoling.
The Octolings seem to have their own language seen in [[Octo Valley]] and [[Octo Canyon]]. It has many similarities to the Inkling language but seems to be in a more box-style font unlike the Inkling language, which can be in a variety of fonts. The Octoling language seems to have two dialects similar to Japanese: the normal Octolings make Inkling-esque sounds, while [[Octosniper]]s, [[Octocommander]]s and all varieties of [[Octotrooper]] make groaning sounds that mimic the noises Inklings and Octolings make when they take damage or are splatted. The noises [[Jellyfish]] make ([[Jelonzo]] and [[Jelfonzo]], as other Jellyfish are never heard talking) seem to speak in the same "groaning" dialect, implying that some Jellyfish speak Octoling.


In the Japanese versions of both ''Splatoon'' games, Inklings talk in hiragana, and Octarians in katakana (along with a brainwashed [[Callie]] and [[Marina]], occasionally; detailed in [[The Art of Splatoon 2]]). In Japanese media, a character's dialogue being written with katakana can also imply a foreign accent of some sort. [[Off the Hook]]'s songs are bilingual, with both Pearl and Marina singing portions in Octoling. An Inkling's experience listening to them has been compared to Japanese people listening to English-language songs without an understanding of the language, but an appreciation of the melody.<ref>[https://www.famitsu.com/news/201711/17145896.html Famitsu: イイダのパートはイカと異なる言語、サーモンランはシャケを鼓舞する変拍子。『スプラトゥーン2』サウンドに迫る、サントラインタビュー (''Splatoon 2'' composer interview)]</ref>
In the Japanese versions of both ''Splatoon'' games, Inklings talk in hiragana, and Octarians in katakana (along with a brainwashed [[Callie]] and [[Marina]], occasionally; detailed in [[The Art of Splatoon 2]]). In Japanese media, a character's dialogue being written with katakana can also imply a foreign accent of some sort. [[Off the Hook]]'s songs are bilingual, with both [[Pearl]] and Marina singing portions in Octoling. An Inkling's experience listening to them has been compared to Japanese people listening to English-language songs without an understanding of the language, but an appreciation of the melody.<ref>[https://www.famitsu.com/news/201711/17145896.html Famitsu: イイダのパートはイカと異なる言語、サーモンランはシャケを鼓舞する変拍子。『スプラトゥーン2』サウンドに迫る、サントラインタビュー (''Splatoon 2'' composer interview)]</ref>


==Audio==
==Audio==

Revision as of 22:50, 3 March 2021


Inkling is the language in which Inklings in Splatoon communicate. While individual letters, words, and the occasional phrase are often similar to real-life languages, Inkling as a whole has been confirmed by Splatoon developers to be almost entirely random. This quote here from Play Nintendo confirms that the official name of the language is Inkling:

This Jellyfish gentleman goes by the name Jelfonzo, and he runs Ye Olde Cloth Shoppe. And check out his origin story: one day he just split off of Jelonzo in Inkopolis Plaza, and there he was! Maybe that makes him Jelonzo's son? He apparently learned to speak Inkling from an ancient text of some sort, so his speech sounds a bit outdated (to say the least). But don't let that fool you. When it comes to fashion, this dapper dude is always up on the hottest trends. Jelfonzo can help you find clothing to let you swim faster, use your special weapon more often, and so much more. Staying fresh never looked so good!
— Play Nintendo

[1] Inkling is also sometimes referred to as 'Inklish', which is a combination of the words 'English' and 'Inkling', respectively.

Appearance

Much of the Inkling language seems similar to the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets. Many letters also resemble Japanese characters.

Inkling speech may occasionally sound and in some ways look like real words, but for the most part, it is indecipherable high-pitched gurgling.

Readable words

Some Inkling words are clearly readable as English or Japanese words.

Words around Inkopolis

Image Description
The studio where Inkopolis News is filmed has an "On Air" sign.
The sign at Mahi-Mahi Resort, saying "Mahi-Mahi Resort and Spa".
File:Shellendorf Banner.PNG The banner at Shellendorf Institute resembles the letters "Tho Davon Mujum," which is similar to the stage's name in Japanese, "Devon Oceanographic Museum".
Ammo Knights' logo resembles the words "Kuji Alive", which is similar to "Weapons Alive" or "Kuji Weapon Shop". While these names are never seen in Splatoon, the names may be concept names or location codes.
File:Squid Beatz 2 title.jpg Squid Beatz 2's logo resembles the words "Ika Radio 2", translating to "Squid Radio 2".
The Squid Sisters' logo says "Pitz 2", which is similar to "Peace 2'.
This sign in Moray Towers says 'Exit'.
File:Nintendo sign.jpg This reads 'Nintendo'. This is found in Ancho-V Games.
The text around TEST PASSED! reads "Mission Clear" and "Number 10008".
File:Information-desk-WahooWorld.jpeg The sign says 'information' in English. This is located in Wahoo World.
  • Octopus-style posters near the Deepsea Metro read "Octavi", similar to "octavo" which means "eighth", along with a faded picture of an octopus. It is possibly a movie poster.
  • MakoMart posters have oranges on them and read "StVy Fresh", which is very similar to "Stay Fresh". This implies that the slogan was adopted as a food motto as well, also a pun for the real-life term fresh fruit.

Brands

Image Description
The Forge brand logo resembles the letters "Forリマ", which is similar to the brand's name in Japanese, フォーリマ (fōrima).
The Splash Mob brand logo resembles the letters "GiMN", which is similar to the brand's name in Japanese, ジモン (jimon). Interestingly, Gimn is a Russian word, meaning "Anthem", "Canticle", "Carol" or "Hymn".
The Tentatek brand logo resembles the letters "AROME", which is the brand's name in Japanese, アロメ (arome).
The Zink brand logo resembles the letters "IArOIC", which vaguely resembles the brand's name in Japanese, アイロニック (aironikku, i.e. "ironic").

Splatfest shirts

Decoding

There have been many attempts at decoding the Inkling language but so far none have been successful, leading some to believe the language is just gibberish.

Others believe that, since Nintendo has made previous languages with some translatable words before, such as the Hylian language from the Legend of Zelda series, it could be possible that Inkling can be translated.

Octoling language

The Octolings seem to have their own language seen in Octo Valley and Octo Canyon. It has many similarities to the Inkling language but seems to be in a more box-style font unlike the Inkling language, which can be in a variety of fonts. The Octoling language seems to have two dialects similar to Japanese: the normal Octolings make Inkling-esque sounds, while Octosnipers, Octocommanders and all varieties of Octotrooper make groaning sounds that mimic the noises Inklings and Octolings make when they take damage or are splatted. The noises Jellyfish make (Jelonzo and Jelfonzo, as other Jellyfish are never heard talking) seem to speak in the same "groaning" dialect, implying that some Jellyfish speak Octoling.

In the Japanese versions of both Splatoon games, Inklings talk in hiragana, and Octarians in katakana (along with a brainwashed Callie and Marina, occasionally; detailed in The Art of Splatoon 2). In Japanese media, a character's dialogue being written with katakana can also imply a foreign accent of some sort. Off the Hook's songs are bilingual, with both Pearl and Marina singing portions in Octoling. An Inkling's experience listening to them has been compared to Japanese people listening to English-language songs without an understanding of the language, but an appreciation of the melody.[2]

Audio

Gallery

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning
Japan Japanese イカ語
Ika Go
Squid Language
Netherlands Dutch Taal van de Inklings Language of the Inklings
CanadaFrance French Inkling Inkling
Germany German Sprache der Inklinge Inkling Language
Italy Italian Lingua degli Inkling Language of the Inkling
Russia Russian Язык инклингов
Yazyk inklingov
Inkling language
SpainMexico Spanish Lenguaje inkling Inkling language
Portugal Portuguese Língua Inkling Inkling language

See also

References