The languages found in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Are you a fan of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Do you enjoy immersing yourself in the magical universe created by J.K. Rowling? If so, you have likely heard of the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. This movie, which takes place in the 1920s, follows the adventures of Newt Scamander, a magizoologist, and his encounters with various magical creatures. One fascinating aspect of this movie is the diverse range of languages spoken by the characters. In this article, we will explore The Languages Found in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in detail, including the different dialects, scripts, and translations.

Introduction

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, released in 2016, is a spin-off of the Harry Potter franchise. It is set in New York City in the 1920s, and it follows the story of Newt Scamander, a wizard who has just arrived in America with a case full of magical creatures. Along the way, he meets a host of fascinating characters, many of whom speak different languages. From Gobbledegook to Mermish, the film includes a diverse range of languages, each with its own unique characteristics.

The Languages Found in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Gobbledegook

One of the languages featured in the movie is Gobbledegook, which is spoken by goblins. This language is a form of gibberish that is difficult for humans to understand. According to Rowling, Gobbledegook is based on Yiddish and other languages spoken by European Jews. However, in the Wizarding World, it is the primary language of the goblins, who use it to communicate with each other and to keep their secrets from humans.

Mermish

Mermish is another language featured in the movie, and it is spoken by merpeople. This language is described as a series of clicks and whistles, which can be challenging for humans to decipher. However, in the movie, the character Tina Goldstein is able to understand and speak Mermish, which helps her to communicate with the merpeople.

Parseltongue

Parseltongue is a language that is closely associated with the Harry Potter franchise, but it also makes an appearance in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. This language is spoken by individuals who have the ability to communicate with snakes, and it is characterized by hissing sounds. In the movie, the character Credence Barebone is a Parselmouth, which allows him to communicate with the magical creature known as the Obscurus.

Newt Scamander's Notes

Throughout the movie, we see Newt Scamander making notes in a leather-bound journal. These notes include sketches of the various magical creatures he encounters, as well as detailed descriptions of their habits and behaviors. Interestingly, these notes are written in a mixture of English and Runic script, a type of writing system used by ancient Germanic languages. This suggests that Newt Scamander is well-educated and well-traveled, and that he is familiar with a variety of languages and scripts.

The International Confederation of Wizards

In the movie, we learn about the International Confederation of Wizards, an organization that governs the use of magic around the world. This organization is comprised of wizards and witches from different countries, and as such, it includes a diverse range of languages and dialects. We hear characters speaking French, German, and other languages throughout the movie, which helps to create a rich and immersive world.

Translations

Finally, it is worth noting that the movie includes a number of translations. For example, when Newt Scamander speaks to his magical creatures, he often uses English, but he also uses other languages, such as Gobbledegook and Parseltongue. In addition, there are several instances where characters switch between languages, such as when Queenie Goldstein speaks both English and French. These translations help to create a sense of realism and authenticity in the movie, as they reflect the diversity of language and culture that exists in the Wizarding World.

How Were the Languages Created?

As with the Harry Potter franchise, J.K. Rowling played a significant role in creating the languages featured in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, she explained that she had created a language for the goblins called "Gobbledegook", which was based on a combination of Yiddish and other languages spoken by European Jews. She also revealed that the language spoken by the merpeople was created by using a series of clicks and whistles, which were inspired by the language used by dolphins.

In addition to creating these languages, Rowling also worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure that the languages were accurately represented on screen. For example, she provided the actors with recordings of the various languages, which helped them to understand how the languages should sound and how they should be spoken. This attention to detail is part of what makes the movie so compelling and immersive.

Summary

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a captivating movie that immerses viewers in the magical universe created by J.K. Rowling. One fascinating aspect of the movie is the diversity of languages spoken by the characters. From Gobbledegook to Mermish to Parseltongue, the film includes a rich and varied range of languages, each with its own unique characteristics. By exploring The Languages Found in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, we gain a deeper understanding of the Wizarding World and the complex and fascinating cultures that inhabit it.