The Splatoon series has captivated players worldwide with its vibrant, ink-splattering action and engaging lore. At the heart of this beloved franchise lies a rich tapestry of languages, scripts, and cultural influences that add depth and authenticity to the Inkling universe. As we delve into the linguistic landscape of Splatoon, we’ll uncover the intricacies of the Inkling language, explore the diverse writing systems, and discover how they contribute to the overall world-building and immersive experience.
Inkling Language: Warbled Gibberish or Meaningful Dialogue?
The Inkling language, often referred to as “squid language,” is a fascinating aspect of the Splatoon series. To the human ear, Inkling speech appears to be a series of high-pitched, warbled sounds that resemble gibberish. However, a closer examination reveals that this language is far more complex than it may initially seem.
Spoken Inkling
The spoken Inkling language is represented in the games through a combination of random syllables and sounds, which are played during character dialogues. While these vocalizations may not form any recognizable words, they do have a distinct rhythm and melody that suggest a structured language. Interestingly, certain voice lines, such as the catchphrases of the Squid Sisters, Off the Hook, and Deep Cut, have been noted to vaguely resemble Japanese, hinting at the potential for Inkling to draw inspiration from real-world languages.
Sung Inkling
The linguistic complexity of Inkling becomes even more apparent in the series’ musical performances. The lyrics of songs sung by Inkling characters, including the Squid Sisters, Off the Hook, and Deep Cut, are entirely composed of gibberish lines. However, these lyrics have been officially released with the game’s merchandise, such as albums and piano sheet music, providing a glimpse into the unique structure and patterns of Inkling lyrics.
In an in-universe interview, the band Wet Floor revealed that their song “Inkoming!” incorporates sounds that resemble English words, further suggesting that the Inkling language may have subtle connections to real-world languages. Additionally, the lyrics for the song “Ebb & Flow (Octo)” contain the word “splatoon,” albeit with a slight deviation from the standard spelling.
Octarian Language
Alongside the Inkling language, the Splatoon series also features the language of the Octarians, the antagonistic species that live in the underground regions of the Splatlands. While the written form of the Octarian language is sometimes represented using the square script associated with Inkling, the spoken Octarian language is distinctly different, with Octolings and other Octarians making groaning and guttural sounds that bear some resemblance to the Inkling vocalizations.
In the Japanese version of the Splatoon series, the dialogue of Octarian characters is written entirely in katakana, a Japanese script typically used for foreign words or to convey a sense of foreignness. This linguistic distinction highlights the cultural and societal differences between the Inklings and Octarians, adding depth to the narrative and world-building.
Deciphering the Inkling Scripts
The written form of the Inkling language is arguably even more complex and diverse than its spoken counterpart. Throughout the Splatoon series, players are presented with a wide range of scripts and writing systems, each with its own unique characteristics and potential for decipherment.
Scriptural Diversity
The scripts used in the Splatoon series range from unique glyphs to those resembling human scripts like Japanese, Arabic, and Cyrillic. These scripts are often used in a consistent manner, allowing for the potential of decipherment and translation. However, it’s important to note that not all instances of these scripts are intended to convey meaningful information, as some are used solely for decorative or mimicry purposes.
Decipherable Scripts
Many of the scripts used in the Splatoon series are, in fact, decipherable, with each fictitious letter corresponding to the letters of the Latin alphabet. This allows players and fans to translate the written Inkling text, revealing a wide range of content, from weapon and clothing descriptions to in-universe signage and social media.
One of the most commonly used scripts in the Splatoon series is the “bold script,” which resembles a typeface primarily used for in-game dialogue. This script is often used to mimic words or write gibberish, which is why it was assumed to be indecipherable for many years. However, with the help of dedicated fans and researchers, the bold script has been successfully deciphered, allowing for a deeper understanding of the Inkling written language.
Mimicry and Gibberish
While many of the scripts used in the Splatoon series are decipherable, there are also instances where the scripts are used solely for the purpose of mimicry or to display gibberish text. In these cases, the characters may be rotated, flipped, or slightly altered, rendering the text meaningless and not reflective of any true underlying meaning.
Additionally, some scripts, such as those resembling Chinese and Arabic characters, are not known to have a proper decipherable form, further adding to the linguistic complexity of the Splatoon universe.
Multilingual Inkling
An interesting aspect of the written Inkling language is that the scripts are not limited to just English. In fact, there are frequent occurrences of the scripts being used to write romanized Japanese, showcasing the cultural influences and diversity within the Inkling society.
This linguistic versatility not only adds depth to the world-building but also reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the Splatlands, where Inklings of various backgrounds and experiences come together to form a vibrant and dynamic community.
Linguistic Influences and Cultural Connections
The language and scripts used in the Splatoon series are not merely decorative elements; they are deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of the Inkling universe. By examining these linguistic aspects, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world-building and the influences that shape the Splatlands.
Eastern and Western Inspirations
The Splatoon series draws heavily from both Eastern and Western cultural influences, and this is evident in the language and scripts used throughout the games. The prevalence of scripts resembling Japanese, Arabic, and Cyrillic writing systems suggests a blending of aesthetic and linguistic elements from diverse cultural backgrounds.
This fusion of Eastern and Western influences reflects the Inkling society’s appreciation for the rich tapestry of human civilizations that came before them. It also speaks to the Inklings’ adaptability and their ability to incorporate various cultural elements into their own unique identity.
Inkling Graffiti and Signage
The use of the written Inkling language is not limited to in-game dialogue or item descriptions; it can also be found in the various graffiti, signage, and environmental elements that populate the Splatlands. These instances of Inkling text provide valuable insights into the everyday lives and cultural practices of the Inklings.
From the bold script used on Splatfest Tees to the more decipherable scripts found on buildings and weapons, these written elements contribute to the overall world-building and immersion, allowing players to engage with the Inkling society on a deeper level.
Linguistic Evolution and Adaptability
The Splatoon series also hints at the evolutionary nature of the Inkling language and scripts. While certain scripts, like the bold script, have remained relatively consistent throughout the games, others have undergone subtle changes or been introduced in newer installments, reflecting the dynamic and adaptable nature of Inkling culture.
This linguistic evolution mirrors the Inklings’ own adaptability and resilience, as they navigate the ever-changing landscapes of the Splatlands and incorporate new influences into their society. The linguistic diversity and flexibility of the Inkling language serve as a testament to the richness and depth of the Splatoon universe.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Linguistic Secrets of the Splatlands
The language and scripts used in the Splatoon series are not mere superficial elements; they are integral to the world-building and narrative of this beloved franchise. From the warbled gibberish of Inkling speech to the intricate and decipherable writing systems, the linguistic landscape of the Splatlands offers a wealth of cultural insights and narrative depth.
By delving into the linguistic complexities of the Splatoon series, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the attention to detail and the creative vision that has gone into crafting this vibrant, ink-filled world. Whether you’re a dedicated Splatoon fan or a casual observer, exploring the linguistic secrets of the Inkling universe is a captivating journey that promises to enrich your understanding and enjoyment of the Splatoon series.
So, the next time you hear the melodic chants of the Squid Sisters or decipher the hidden meanings behind the Inkling scripts, remember that the language of the Splatlands is not just a tool for communication, but a reflection of the rich cultural tapestry that defines the Inkling way of life.
