Language in the Splatoon series
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.[1]
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
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The studio where Inkopolis News is filmed has an "On Air" sign. |
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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', all possible names in other languages, or the pronunciation of Ammo Knights in Inkling, which is never spoken aloud by any Inklings or Octolings, leading to multiple theories.
Squid Beatz 2's logo resembles the words 'Ika Radio 2', and since ika literally translates to 'squid', the words piece together to make 'Squid Radio 2'.
Brands
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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). |
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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. |
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The Tentatek brand logo resembles the letters "AROME", which is the brand's name in Japanese, アロメ (arome). |
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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
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"Cat"
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"Dog"
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"Water Slide"
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 before, such as the Hylian language, it could be possible that Inkling can be translated.
Multiple English adaptions of Inkling songs have been released on You Tube, but it is unknown if these are honest translations or just made-up translations.
Audio
Gallery
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An Inkling stands in front of a sign in the Inkling language
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The back of amiibo box found in Inkopolis Plaza using the out-of-bounds glitch. As you can see, it is written in Inkling with the exeption of the word 'amiibo'.
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Part one of glyphs of the Inkling language
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Part two of glyphs of the Inkling language
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Part three of glyphs of the Inklings language
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The front of Inkopolis Tower's Battle Lobby is labelled in Inkling, along with the brand on the speakers.
