Tamarian Language

The Tamarian Language is the language of the spacefaring species known as the "Children of Tama", or Tamarians, the dominant species of the planet Sigma Tama IV.

Structure
Tamarian language is unique amongst the languages of the Beta Quadrant in that it makes use of the unusual brain structure of the Tamarians. They find that the easiest way to understand concepts is by allusion and metaphor; by contrast, direct languages such as those common elsewhere in the Galaxy appear difficult for the Tarmarian brain to comprehend.

Their language was first understood by Captain Jean-Luc Picard and crew members of the Starship USS Enterprise in 2368.

Although a small number of diplomats and linguists have become proficient in communicating with the Tamarians and whilst formal diplomatic relations are now in place, relatively little of their language is currently understood by non-Tamarians. The structure of Tamarian language makes it almost impossible for a Universal Translator to translate; the words of the language are easily rendered into Federation Standard, but without knowing the Mytho-Historical incidents to which phrases allude, the actual words are comparatively little use. Small amounts of the language can become clear to individuals by usage and context, however.

Known phrases
◾ "Children of Tama" - Tamarian ◾ "Darmok on the ocean" - loneliness, isolation

◾ "Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra" - cooperation

◾ "Darmok and Jalad on the ocean" - new friendship and understanding gained through a shared challenge

◾ "The beast at Tanagra" - a problem to be overcome

◾ "Kadir beneath Mo Moteh" - failure to communicate/understand

◾ "Zima at Anzo" "Zima and Bakor" - danger/hostility arising from miscommunication/misunderstanding.

◾ "Kiteo, his eyes closed" - refusal to understand

◾ "Kiazi's children, their faces wet" - do not cry

◾ "Temba, his arms wide/open" - signifying a gift

◾ "Temba, at rest" - when a gift being offered is declined

◾ "Mirab, with sails unfurled" - signifying departure/engines to full/fleeing

◾ "Shaka, when the walls fell" - failure

◾ "Sokath, his eyes uncovered/opened" - understanding/realization

◾ "Kailash, when it rises" - a necessary loss or sacrifice

◾ "The river Temarc in winter" - be quiet/silence

◾ "Zinda, his face black, his eyes red" - anger or conflict, also can indicate pain or discomfort, possible indication of inability to survive (either self, or other party)

◾ "Rai and Jiri at Lungha. Rai of Lowani. Lowani under two moons. Jiri of Ubaya. Ubaya of crossroads, at Lungha. Lungha, her sky gray" - greeting between two different cultures/races

◾ "Uzani, his army with fists open" - to lure the enemy towards you by spreading your forces

◾ "Uzani, his army with fists closed" - to close rank and attack after luring the enemy

◾ "Chenza at court, the court of silence" - not listening

◾ "Kira at Bashi" - to tell a story

◾ "Picard and Dathon at El-Adrel" - successful first contact between two alien cultures, or to work toward a common goal

Recent Developments
In his second contact with the Tamarians, Admiral Picard presented the Tamarian ambassador to the Federation with copies of two of his favourite books - namely, the King James Bible and the Complete works of William Shakespeare. This was thought to be a symbolic gesture, with there being little or no expectation that the Tamarians would be able to read them. However, in recent years Tamarians encountering the Federation have made increasing use of metaphors from both of these works. It is surmised that this is an indication that both were understood more quickly than anticipated, and have become popular amongst Starship crews and diplomats. Occasionally metaphors from the history of the Federation are also encountered.

New Phrases
Since the crew of the Tamworth have been in contact with the Tamarians, the following phrases have become known:


 * "Gideon's army at the river" - A selection, especially of a team of people


 * "The Sun and the moon in their daily courses" - To take turns


 * "Storil, as the Moon darkened!" - Look over there/Pay attention!


 * "Garish, observing the ant." - This is interesting


 * "Tergo, in the hail of arrows!" (Said with urgency) - Look out/Beware!


 * "Surak and Satask at Shakar" - Parting


 * "Dick Whittington and his cat" - Success from nowhere/ sheer luck


 * "George Orwell at the bus shelter, his wounds untended" - Disillusionment


 * "Romeo, at the Capulet Ball" - Something appears out of place