Weird suggestion

Question

For those interested in foreign languages and know about the ancient tale of Gilgamesh (and like science-fiction):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukMNfTnI5M8

Answer 1

That was one of my favorite episodes. Thank you for posting that.

I have always wondered how explorers can learn a new language with no interpreter or common referents. For concrete things like nouns you can point to and verbs you can act out it's easy, but for abstract concepts like "truth" and "beauty" and "duty" it's difficult. And don't even start on the little words and verb tenses. For languages that don't even share a common basis it would be virtually impossible.

• I had the same thought--about how explorers learn other languages--when I first read Gulliver's Travels. - Soninmyeyes Nov 1, 2010

Answer 2

Thank you, Lazarus. I did a comparative essay in college between the flood account in Gilgamesh and the flood account of Genesis. Also was a big fan of Star Trek.....

Answer 3

Thanks for posting this Lazarus! This is really interesting!

Answer 4

Interesting!

Answer 5

Netflix finally put Star Trek the Next Generation on instant, so I'm looking forward to watching this episode again - one of the best.

Answer 6

Yes, I remember the episode well.

Writers insert so many references to great classics, and most often, they go unnoticed by viewers. I usually feel alone when I watch them.

Thanks immensely for reminding me I am not quite so alone ...