Avatar fans learn to speak Na’vi
Wednesday, 24th February 2010
Sci-fi blockbuster sparks language learning phenomenon
With James Cameron’s science-fiction epic Avatar taking global box offices by storm, fans everywhere are learning the Na’vi language to help them get closer to the action. Professor Paul Frommer from the University of Southern California was the brains behind the alien language and developed it over four years, making sure it would have an authentic but exotic feel.
The result is a unique language which currently has about 1000 words and a distinct Polynesian feel, although other people claim it’s more like German or Japanese. Professor Frommer designed the language so that it could be spoken by human actors, and then spent hours on set helping the cast perfect their pronunciation to really bring the language to life.
The incredible success of the film has created a groundswell of interest in Na’vi, with numerous blogs and forums dedicated to learning the alien language. Professor Frommer hopes that one day, Na’vi could be as popular as Klingon, sci-fi addicts’ top alien language.
Cactus is interested to hear from anyone wanting to learn Na’vi in the UK. So avid Avatar fans - get in touch!
Tags: alien language, learning na'vi, avatar
Posted by Lucy 2010-02 under Cactus Language Worldwide, Cactus News,
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Posted by Peter Rodway on 02/24 at 03:58 PM
Why not check out http://www.learnnavi.org/ and get a downloadable dictionary and workbook?
Posted by Brian Barker on 02/26 at 12:25 PM
I like neither Na'vi nor Klingon, as the future global language. Especially when you have to dress up for it :)
We also need a future international language. One which is easy to learn, as well !
And that's not English! Esperanto? Let's move forward :)
At least Bill Shatner speaks Esperanto. Have a look at http://eurotalk.com/en/store/learn/esperanto or http://www.lernu.net