In light of the upcoming release of the Minions movie—or it might already be released, depending on where you are—I think it would be apt to discuss the intriguing world of these yellow, banana-like creatures and their language. Many believe these beloved, simple-minded homunculi speak gibberish, but few know the linguistic legitimacy of what they’re saying. The directors of the massively popular Despicable Me series, Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, have labelled their language “Minionese”, but it’s more popularly known as “Banana Language”—after one of their signature pet phrases. The use of constructed languages is not uncommon, however, as there are actually many movies and literature that specially create languages for the purpose of realising a fictional community. Some famous examples include Quenya and Sindarin in the Lord of the Rings universe; the Valyrian languages in Game of Thrones; Bordurian in The Adventures of Tintin; and more recently, Na’vi in Avatar.
In an interview, the directors claimed that they didn’t actually construct a language, and alleged that Minionese is just gibberish. However, some reports and fans are asserting that a good number of the words are translatable and actually do make sense. Many have noticed that several Minionese terms originated from languages like Spanish, Filipino, Korean, and Mandarin Chinese. Some of these examples include tara tropa (Filipino for ‘come on guys’), chatool (Hebrew for ‘cat’), hai-bo (phonologically similar to ‘hajmo’, which means ‘let’s go’ in Croatian and Serbian), kanpai (Japanese for ‘let’s toast’), and even counting to three in Korean. Fans have also noted the repeated use of words that appear to embody specific meanings throughout the movies, such as ba-boy (‘toy’), bi-do (‘I’m sorry’), para tú (‘for you’), and la boda (‘marriage’).
The Minions are also known to use English in their speech, such as “OK”, “potato”, “idiot”, and even phonological variants like bapple (for ‘apple’) and bello (for ‘hello’). However, Mionionese does not seem to have a grammatical structure, as the Minions tend to only blurt short phrases. The directors added that Minionese may not be linguistically or syntactically coherent, and that it’s based more on random sounds and rhythms. It’s also interesting to note that the Minions have typical English names such as Stuart, Kevin and Bob. While the movies have made attempts to accompany the Minions’ jabbering with comprehensive actions, these are also aided by proper subtitling of their language. Today, there are even apps (like Minionator, Bananie, and Minion Translator) that help translate Minion dialogue.
Although Minionese is largely incomprehensible to us, the Minions’ conversations with their owner, Gru, show that both parties can understand each other perfectly well. It appears that this ability manifests itself only in Gru, because his assistant, Dr. Nefario, and his kids, do not seem to share this understanding—though we’ll never know for sure! On the other hand, the Minions arguably show full comprehension of English as they are able to carry out Gru’s commands accordingly and also physically respond to what Dr. Nefario and the children say. But again, this is refutable, because we don’t know if the minions are simply responding to their physical actions and emotions, or if they have been engineered or taught to understand English.
Rather than choosing to allow the Minions to speak English, the existence of Minionese sets Minions and humans apart, and enforces the master–slave relationship between them in the movie—albeit in a family-friendly manner. The Minions’ dependence on Gru also comes through in the fact that Minionese is only intelligible to Gru. On a lighter note, this gives the movies their humour since linguistic misunderstandings allow for comedic effect. Of course, much of it is also in a bid to emphasise their humourousness and likeability.
While movies like Avatar and The Lord of the Rings have hired linguists to construct new languages for their characters, the directors of the Despicable Me series have instead pieced together their own, and possibly opened up a creative gateway for more of such language construction to occur. There is much to be explored, and the nature of Minion language comprehension shows great potential for language evolution since they show the ability to adopt and adapt vocabulary from other existing languages—perhaps Minionese might even be one of the more enterprising forms of language blending (banana-ing?) around.
49 Responses to “The Minion language”
kellyway@how to speak minion language
Bello.! I love minions movie and there every languages they speak.
bellowjump
This article offers an interesting perspective on the observations of a linguist who moved from Singapore to New Zealand. It highlights the nuances of differences in the pronunciation of certain words, such as the vowel sound in “end” and the difference between light and dark Geometry Dash Meltdown
Rudolfo
Hi everyone, if you need to write an essay about bioinformatics, I recommend the service https://getnursingessay.com/nursing-entrance-essay/ . Their writers have expertise in this field and can create a quality essay for you. They will cover the key aspects of bioinformatics, genomic data analysis, methods and tools. I’m sure you’ll get high quality work, just in time!
부안출장샵
Sure, the icing that is thick will make a peak if you dip and lift a spoon out of it. E부안출장샵xplained another way; dip a spoon into your icing, lift the spoon out and pull away… If the icing you just lifted the spoon out of leaves a little peak that doesn’t disappear back into the icing, you have thick icing.
papa's freezeria
The Minions movie is amazing, and I adore all the languages they speak.
run 3
Your knowledge is extremely helpful, and in my spare time, like you, I frequently look for games to play to pass the time as an illustration, you might want to give it a shot at least once before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.
lesha
Experience the delectable goodness of Bonne Maman La Madeleine, available at EuropaFoodXB. These exquisite French butter cakes are crafted with care, using the finest ingredients to ensure a delightful taste in every bite. With their soft and moist texture, these madeleines are perfect for indulgent moments, whether paired with your favorite hot beverage or enjoyed on their own. Bonne Maman takes pride in delivering a touch of French elegance to your palate, making La Madeleine a delightful treat for any occasion. Elevate your snacking experience with these beautifully crafted butter cakes that capture the essence of traditional French baking. Treat yourself to the authentic taste of Bonne Maman La Madeleine, a true delight for lovers of fine pastries.
Jeremy
Hey pals! So, I found this super awesome casino thing in Zambia. The games are like, mega fun, and you can even win cool stuff – https://ubuntucasinos.co.za/ ! The people who run it are really nice and help you lots. If you like playing games, you should totally check it out. Just remember, it’s all about having a blast and maybe getting some awesome prizes! Cool, right?
www.sportsadda.com
Explore the excellent selection of online casinos site to enjoy your casino time to the fullest. Take a break from your routine with a wide selection of exciting games to help dispel boredom. Here, everyone will find something that will interest them and keep them occupied for a long time. So don’t waste time and start playing at one of these casinos right now!
marka marichka
Elevate your gaming to new heights with New UK Casino! Immerse yourself in a world of possibilities where an extensive game library and exclusive bonuses redefine the gaming experience. This https://www.newukcasino.uk/ isn’t just another platform; it’s an invitation to discover the thrill of winning and entertainment.
Nursing personal essay help
I want to always read your blogs. I love them Are you also searching for Nursing personal essay help? we are the best solution for you. We are best solution for you.
Nursing diagnosis writing services
I want to always read your blogs. I love them Are you also searching for Cheap Nursing Writing Company? we are the best solution for you. We are best solution for you.
marka marichka
https://unravellingmag.com/dialogue/the-minion-language-do-you-banana/#comment-62543
nanalyly
The gameplay of connections revolves around a simple yet captivating premise: connecting words through shared attributes, meanings, or associations.
카지노사이트
It’s a game. Five dollars is free. Try it It’s not an easy game
->-> 카지노사이트 .COM
DB city
Outstanding work! The depth of insight and clarity of expression make this post truly stand out. residential apartments gwalior
win
บีวิน The best popular casino game
fnf
While the directors initially claimed that Minionese is simply gibberish and not a constructed language like some other fictional languages, fans have observed that many words and phrases appear to have origins or inspirations from real languages.
Bizzo
The Minion language, with its playful and nonsensical phrases like “Do you banana?” adds a fun and quirky element to their character. Similarly, Bizzo Casino https://bizzocasinoau.bet/ adds excitement to the online gaming world with its wide variety of games and generous bonuses, creating a fun and engaging experience for all players.
Misty A
In the Minion universe, their quirky language, often mistaken for gibberish, cleverly incorporates words from various languages like Spanish, Filipino, and Japanese. While the directors say it’s not a real language, fans have deciphered meanings, making it as fun to explore as discovering new anime series on apps like gogoanime apk.
frederick gragg
Transform your cherished memories into exquisite, personalized 3D laser gifts with Beyond-Memories. Our cutting-edge technology brings your favorite photos to life in stunning crystal-clear detail. Whether it’s a heartwarming family portrait, a memorable wedding photo, or a beloved pet, we create timeless keepsakes that glow with brilliance.
Each piece is meticulously crafted from high-quality crystal, ensuring durability and a captivating visual experience. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply to celebrate life’s special moments, our 3D laser gifts make every occasion unforgettable.
Celebrate your life’s most treasured moments with a gift that’s as unique as your memories. Beyond Memories: where your memories are transformed into art, preserving the magic of your most cherished experiences.
buxarmasti
In the Minion universe, their playful language, which might seem like gibberish at first glance, actually mixes words from different languages such as Spanish, Filipino, and Japanese. Although the creators claim it’s not a true language, fans have managed to decode its meanings, making it as entertaining to explore as finding new anime series on apps like hitv mod apk.
Vignesh rolo
The Viggle Ai is a Powerful tool trained on the JST-1 model to generate 3D-Videos from your images and characters motion videos, developed by Viggle Labs, and now available to download its mod apk pro premium unlocked latest version 3.0.0.0 for Android, iOS, and PC. Get Viggle AI Mod APK now using the below button and unleash your creativity with the Viggle AI app without watermarks on any videos.
R Smith
Want to connect with millions of pre-generated characters by users for free? Then, You have landed on the right page. The Character.ai app offers live interaction with characters where you can talk, chat, and call freely like human interaction. Choose your own or create as per your requirement, and unlock the mysterious world where you will be the king. Now, Download the latest version of Character AI Mod APK with Premium Unlocked Plus No filter for free from the below button link, and after that, enjoy your journey with AI Chatbots.
Jessica Collins
It’s a compelling entry point for discussing both the Minions’ charm and the artistry involved in their papa’s games louie creation.
faselhd
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve truly
enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case
I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
faselhd
Monkey Mart
Invite your friends to join Monkey Mart to experience the fun and excitement that the game brings together. This is an ideal game to relax, entertain and conquer challenges together in this colorful shopping world!
Ninja Digital
Impressive article! You simplify complex topics effortlessly. This was very informative—looking forward to more insights from you! digital marketing company in gwalior
Young Henry
Discover the ultimate anime indulgence with Crunchyroll Mod APK with Full Features Unlocked, and No Ads Reddit – your passport to a limitless realm of ad-free, offline-accessible anime and manga. Access the latest version for free and elevate your streaming experience with exclusive content. Immerse yourself in the world of Crunchyroll like never before, all at your fingertips.
final grade calculator
i love your information that you share
Gibson Patrick
Download Hole House Mod APK for Android, iOS, Windows PC, Linux, and Mac with All Patreon Characters Unlocked, and new backgrounds. Immerse yourself in this exciting game where you explore a mysterious house full of surprises. Solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and enjoy hours of fun gameplay. Available now for all major platforms, start your adventure today.
Sapanca Bungalov
Sapanca bungalov evlerinde doğa ile iç içe huzur dolu bir tatil deneyimi! Hemen rezervasyon yapın.
Clark Henry
Download the latest and official version of the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm APK for Android mobile, and start playing it on your mobile devices for extra excitement and thrill. Also, Don’t forget to to explore all of the features, and game guides
Jonhy Claber
This exploration of the Minion language is so much fun! It’s amazing how playful language can enhance storytelling. If you’re looking to create unique and engaging content, consider using an artificial intelligence text generator. These tools can help you craft creative narratives or even develop your own fun language!
Hamish Palmer
Online casinos have transformed the way players experience gambling, offering convenience and excitement at their fingertips. With a vast selection of games, from slots to live dealer tables, there’s something for every enthusiast. A great option for players is https://puntcasino1.com, which provides enticing bonuses and a secure environment for an enjoyable gaming experience.
Wenda Sprunki
I hope to add the character of Wenda Sprunki to the new Toy Story.
Wenda Sprunki is a character in the music game where you can create music freely and match the rhythm of the dubbing as you like.
https://wenda.im/
webfishing
Thanks for posting such useful content.
douglee
Sprunki Incredibox lets you mix beats and create your own tracks by dragging characters onto the screen. It’s free and fun! Start making music now at https://www.sprunkiincredibox.top/
Ethan Miller
Create your own music with Sprunki Incredibox at https://playsprunki.online . This free, browser-based game lets you drag and drop characters onto a stage, each adding unique sounds. Experiment with different combinations, discover bonus sounds, and share your creations. No music experience needed.
webfishing mods
Totally agree with this – “There is much to be explored, and the nature of Minion language comprehension shows great potential for language evolution since they show the ability to adopt and adapt vocabulary from other existing languages—perhaps Minionese might even be one of the more enterprising forms of language blending (banana-ing?) around.”
webfishing wiki
Thank you for sharing such a helpful post!
SMM Bear
This post is packed with valuable information, and I’m grateful for the time you spent putting it together. Well done! social media panel
Perfect Tidy
Thank you for sharing such a helpful post!
Homicipher
Thank you for sharing such a helpful content. Homicipher
bitlife
This talent seems to be exclusive to Gru, since neither his helper, Dr. Nefario, nor his children exhibit this comprehension—though certainty remains elusive!
coco
Thank you for sharing this
bitlife
I truly respect your creative and strategic approach to BitLife, which makes every virtual life an engaging and unforgettable experience! 💛
Hismith
The creativity behind Minionese is truly fascinating! The blend of gibberish with words borrowed from multiple languages makes it both chaotic and oddly charming. It’s impressive how such a nonsensical language still manages to convey meaning through context, actions, and emotion. It adds a unique layer of humor and appeal to the Minions’ characters. The adaptability of Minionese, pulling from various languages, even hints at a playful take on linguistic evolution!
ikanid.
Of humor and appeal to the Minions’ characters. The adaptability of Minionese, pulling from various languages, even hints at a playful take on linguistic evolution!