Ars talks with the creator of Belter Creole from "The Expanse"

[@IGameChangerI]

"May the thrust not cut out in the middle of your drink." That is such an incredibly clever way to show how closely the social life of a belter is linked to technology inside the belt. Most science fiction stories just sprinkle some techno-babble into their dialogue to remind us that it's the future, but The Expanse actually considers how normal people would interact with such a world.

[@lordblazer]

IGameChangerI even the nonverbal gestures. I loved the belters they were awesome. I felt very immersed into the series. I really hated Earth and the UN. but I'm black american so I can easily identify with the belters. having to make tough decisions pitted in rough situations. life isn't easy. I enjoyed this show.

[@michaelmartin9022]

IGameChangerI That or he's been reading Tintin.

[@sonofcy]

I'm the same; it isn't just a black american thing. Anyone whose family roots are from exploitation - whatever their nationality - would recognise it. Taking the recent US as an example, if you look at the history of US workers from the latter half of the 19th century, through the depression to today, they faced similar things. Yes it's a great show, the best scify have done in a decade. An odd channel, they churn out bog standard stuff most of the time, but once in a while, they put out a real gem.

[@DocRigel]

Such a good and romantic mix of the environment and the people that have to live there!

[@beepboop8184]

​@@lordblazer >> I felt very immersed into the series. Why not read the books then? They are even more immersive.

[@generalrubbish9513]

I love the feeling of slowly starting to understand Belter Creole. At first, it was completely unintelligible to me (as it should've been, apparently), but through my own research and the show kinda easing you into it, I'm starting to understand it more and more, and it's amazing. Like being part of a secret club or something. I think I see now why Trekkies love speaking Klingon so much.

[@johnprieto435]

Language is fun, and having studied at a base level Spanish, German, and ASL, I love the Belter Creole

[@rivengle]

I understand why they toned down the amount of Belter Creole they used in the later seasons but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly peeved. I want more pure Belter conversations (with subtitles!).

[@bellicx5819]

Beltalowda!

[@claws5573]

Pashang!

[@CordeliaAurora]

Na pampa, mi pensa Klingon na half as interesting as a language with complex human history keya?

[@Grevlain]

Its stuff like this that turn a good show into a FANTASTIC show. This level of intellectual investment is great.

[@rpach3023]

The belter language is a mirror to how I grew up learning to speak in Hawaii. A mix of every culture around me that molds itself into one. Belter words and phrases make sense to me and I can break it down. Kind of how wakarimasu means in Japanese..."What you're saying breaks down for me. Yes, I understand." What we speak here is a form of "pidgin" english or creole. Sadly it's a dying language. My fathers generation had this to the point where my outsider friends would look at each other in disbelief that we could understand one another at our family gatherings. I, of course, understood every word of this mixture of portuguese, japanese, chinese, hawaiian, english, filipino and whatever cultured languages that had migrated to Hawaii. The belter language, mythical as it may be, could surely become a belt form of communication in such a setting. In a way it vindicates my feelings that my born "pidgin" english remains to be a legitimate language. One in which I, and many around me have mastered. However, the millenials prefer not to speak it. Deep down when it comes to the fringes of rural earth, we were the belters in Hawaii. Knowing other languages was commonplace here. It still is to a degree. But the language I grew up on is fading. I've decided to learn as much belter as possible to keep this unique form of communication alive. I think it will be fun talking to people worldwide in such a way. :D

[@PennyRoyxl]

Awesome comment award! Many indigenous peoples in the states have worries about the interest of the next generations carrying on traditions, language, and an understanding of their elders. Many of them have started programs to help preserve it, and teach it where they can. Perhaps you could do the same? There are also amazing teachers on KZbin that I watch that do this, and although I can't speak for others, making a fun, light-hearted lesson a day or week about your culture would be something I would watch indeed. Consider it, as losing our cultural identities during a growing global influence would be a sad thing. I believe it isn't something that should divide us, but show our diversity, and bring us together in a way that supports the old, and the new into the future. Cheers!

[@DiogenesOfCa]

Beratna!

[@Ligaya1980]

This was so fascinating to see what choices he made for each word etc. I'm multilingual; so anytime there is an artificially created language my ears try to find the cognates and patterns to see if I could actually understand it. I think his choice to make a super deluxe Creole was very clever. Thanks for sharing =)

[@rellstuttin9198]

cool ive been on this show for 2 weeks now and the belters language really makes the show

[@seand.g423]

Still waiting for the damn dictionary...

[@plexus]

the accent always reminded me of a South African Afrikaans accent

[@MichaelDelvalle-nt4gp]

yea ugly af

[@skepticalbadger]

It's much more Multicultural London English.

[@shitstainbarbie7795]

Same!!!!!

[@tralalalashalalal]

@@MichaelDelvalle-nt4gp well arent you a racist

[@gliyader]

@@tralalalashalalal Aren't you a snowflake!

[@JoeBlow-vx5po]

Season 3, there is now a Belter version of "Highway Star" that was pretty good!

[@tj-nu7iu]

Ah yeah I remember Ty Wes & Clinton talking about it on their podcast

[@angeloangela5917]

As a Creole-speaker (Papiamento) I thank you for understanding the beauty of Creole languages.

[@billdumke211]

Nick, you did a great job with the Belter language. The bartender was great as well.

[@jacobscott2473]

I'd love to know the story behind the bartender being able to speak the belter creole better than the guy who made it.

[@joeyjojojunior1794]

Oaktown Pirate...

[@ArtemisScribe]

well according to Pirate's own KZbin channel it involved many daiquiris!

[@bluefiddleguy]

So appropriate that you hear Cesaria Evora, singing in Kriolu in the background. Nick Farmer is a genius!

[@LawyerDells]

Nick, what an amazing job. Your research, creativity and dedication is beyond impressive! I really love the homage to Antilliean/Haitian language. Thank you for your work!

[@infernosgaming8942]

He did such a good job I want to learn Belter Creole

[@AlkisGD]

I love this show _so_ much! I just finished season 3 and bought the first book 😁

[@benw9949]

I wold love to see a book on the Belter creole. Awesome stuff.

[@seand.g423]

Pashang, beratna, I'm near to settling for a damn Ebook!

[@redbandet]

This should have way more views, by everyone who watches the expanse at least

[@scientchahming5]

One of the things about Belter Creole is it's non-rhotic, which means Rs get dropped when no vowel sound immediately follows.

[@hiro2protagonist]

This was an awesome behind the scenes look.

[@Marinealver]

Okay, but what about all the gestures? To me that is the real language to get through airless space. In a matter of fact th first season they made it clear that getting the gesture right was just as important as the words.

[@HerrLBrodersen]

That is only true for the old space suits today. Take a look at SpaceX' new suit, it looks similar to those in the series. There really is no reason why they would still need the old ones.

[@Ariel_emerald]

now in season 5 belter sign language is what saved naomi

[@will2brown50]

@@HerrLBrodersen the "new space suits" are only meant for IVA to protect against depressurisation during launches and landings. Modern EVA suits have not changed that much in terms of overall look, design and clunkiness

[@LeeCarlson]

I have commented to Risto Kupsala (creator of the conlang Pandunia) how much the Belter Creole sounded like the language he creating.

[@ellymizrahi1199]

I really liked Havelock talking to Kothari's gang during the riots before they attack him. Havelock gives that kind of struggled, frightened command to them in Belter creole and they just laugh at him because of course they would. He's been learning it from Gia and I imagine that her manner of speaking is kind of girly and I imagine that it would come off as being really submissive and sound something like "Ugh, like, ok you guys, let's totally get out of here. I'm for real, y'all." Not really assertive and already he's got trouble with his hands "in and before is weak."

[@Hyraethian]

Hearing the Belters speak my first thought was The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.

[@apachedisco]

Corners and Doors! Corners and Doors!

[@JetEngine787]

Doors and Corners....

[@ChasingGeekdom]

OMG Oaktown Pirate. HA! Gonna need some Belter lessons next time I'm in the Bay. Also there needs to be a Belter dictionary for to buy. kthxbye

[@beatswork]

I’m just glad he didn’t use the British accent because they put that in every movie that they can

[@seankelly1291]

Badass, yam sing!

[@BeneGesseritWitch]

For people who speak patios, creole, or pidgin we hear ourselves in Belter language.

[@roushpedish]

Is there a belter version of “We didn’t start the fire”?

[@jeremiahstone5285]

Most people don't know this , but Thomas Jane could've been Rick in the walking dead, but out of loyalty, he wasn't going to leave a show that he was already doing

[@Sir_Loin_Of_Beef]

So where is this bartender that speaks fluent belter? My bucket list has a free slot

[@rivengle]

Check the description of the video.

[@Sir_Loin_Of_Beef]

@@rivengle oh didn't think it would be there. Thanks :) bucket list updated

[@BaldursPicketFence]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeng!

[@Amrah75]

Créole? Since the beginning I thought it was Afrikaan, South African. He did mention Zulu.

[@TheAntibozo]

This would be really enjoyable if it weren't for the abysmal video quality and constant background noise. WTF?

[@itsacharcoalice]

wait was this language not in the original books?

[@internaut4257]

not realy no

[@jerryhampton5755]

The Expanse is the best.

[@Pioponk]

Beratna, sasake?

[@JetEngine787]

Hahaha! Hahaha! Everything is SO FUNNY!!! Sasa que?!

[@vualgrimoire4822]

A good one is throwing one's open hand at someone that disgusts you, an idiot etc. You open your hand completely and jab it at the subject, and say "here!" As if saying, here, a handful of shit for you.

[@Vitalis94]

I'm wondering - Is English an official language of the Solar System or do they merely use English for audience's sake? Well, given that the countries that will most likely be the future colonizers, it's probable. USA would be the biggest power, next to Chinese and maybe Russians, too. But would they still use English as an official languages? People in the Expanse are mostly migrants from all around the world, so who is to say which language would be used. Also, could be so sure that English will remain the dominant language for the next 200 years? Even if so, it would be somewhat different from todays English, no?

[@ДушанРадин-ы3ю]

Vitalis,what makes you think that any states will last much longer in present shape or strenght?

[@Vitalis94]

Because of our nature. We tend to think that in few centuries, global government will be achieved. I doubt it. We like to group ourselfs as "us" and "them". I have no doubt that countries will merge into regional blocks, like European Union, African Union, etc. But to achieve truly global government, we would have to face an external threat. And well, in case of the Expanse, that threat was emerging Martian nation. But the initial colonization will be done by sovereign states like US, China and Russia, not a united government. It's an utopia, at least for now.

[@ReddwarfIV]

English is the pilot's language. Aircraft crews have to speak it. Now apply that to space travel.

[@degenererad]

English will be the biggest probably always, as it is so easy to learn compared to chinese or other languages that have separate alphabets. As its spoken all over the 1st world already, even if china and india are trying to catch up, their foremost scientists and buisness leaders are probably educated in the 1st world.

[@cryme5]

I beg to differ. French is not "just for the family / group", it is a required skill in your everyday life, including your job. Science is done in French in France, it's not about to change.

[@JetEngine787]

Why you pensa? Why YOU pensa?!

[@johnprieto435]

Gestures should have come from a signed language

[@benjaminbrewer2569]

Sassa kaaaay

[@thetimetravelingfbi7626]

Mi hope deting milowda beltalowda gonya suffer na mo fo da inyalowda

[@omarquintanilla696]

I love Belta(er) Creole!!!

[@e1123581321345589144]

How come Mars never got their own language?

[@codename9824]

e1123581321345589144 they were always connected to earth

[@tanukiman3855]

Got dam! Can you manage to keep focus?

[@lordcrayzar]

Belter always felt like a South African Jar Jar Binks to me.

[@ChristopherMB87]

Oye beltawolda!

[@wesesheskhnemtuhit]

Oye! Mi ando xunyam Lang Belta.

[@marinayuri550]

It made me thank of the Gullah dialect

[@chansherly212]

haha yamseng = drink , that's so cantonese

[@chriskelvin248]

And here I was convinced Belter was more or less Afrikans with a smattering of Chinese....but I never read the books

[@CultofThings]

Cool guy

[@CordeliaAurora]

mama sabaka 😒

[@alexi9108]

Creole languages were formed in the conditions of general illiteracy, by people who had never been exposed to any systemic schooling and literary standard. I am not sure whether the degradation of public education in 200 years from now sufficient for a creole formation is logically compatible with keeping a technological space-faring civilization online

[@KarizmaticENT]

Your comment is based on ignorance and you sound like the one who's illiterate. Creole languages were formed because advanced civilizations felt the need to invaded, colonize, rape and kill. The people they colonized picked up the language of their conqueror/colonizers thus creating another language based on their own native language. That's the same reason half of the world speaks a Latin based language (Spanish, Romanian, Portuguese, French, Italian, etc) because the Romans didn't formally educate the people they conquered on the proper pronunciation of Latin words. Most of the world speak some kind of creole Language. Pick up a book and read

[@edukid1984]

@Silicon Nomad LOL I'm very familiar with Singaporean English (the so called Singlish) which is almost turning into a very infant form of another English based Creole by now. The overwhelming majority of Singaporeans can speak and understand it, and most of them also speak the more 'standard' English as taught in their schools (recognised as some of the best in the world), if occasion demands. All of that happening in a country that regularly surpasses the West in international assessment of education attainment. The original comment is truly clueless.

[@olenickel6013]

I actually come from a first world city in Germany (Flensburg) that has it's own mixed language (Petuh). Nothing to do with lack of education or illiteracy, but with close contact between different languages. People just want to talk to each other, so they pick up words and syntax and mix it around.

[@janMelantu]

Pidgins develop remarkably fast, and they have very little to do with literacy. A literate Hindi Speaker and a literate French Speaker would still need to create a pidgin to communicate because they can’t read *each other’s* languages. Before you ask, Creoles are Pidgins that have become some people’s first language.

[@TrueKivan]

yeah it's just how communication works, my own daily language is a mix of english, polish, italian, romanian and dutch.

[@bougharrachedi]

Thats an abomination hybrid language more african créole pacific

[@joshconcepcion8566]

Jesus I cringed so hard multiple times during this interview. The nerd factor is real with some of these guys.

[@OrdinaryLatvian]

"How dare these people enjoy something?"

[@MichaelDelvalle-nt4gp]

i find it incredibly irritating

[@jonothandoeser]

The language? Or the interview?

[@axeljehovanymendoza]

The accent is annoying as hell. It is like listening to Jar Jar Binks non stop.

[@sparksmacoy]

The belters sound like Ali G, it is the stupidest most cringeworthy choice made in Sci Fi and totally ruins the Expanse. Every time I hear it I expect them to start rapping like some tosser and doing crap break dancing, it is hysterical. It looks to me like the actors are gritting their teeth every time they have to use it. Booyakasha!

[@timmytheguitarguy]

Its good that many viewers like myself dont know mr. Ali G and dont have the series ruined. Open your mind and enjoy the show

[@HeyItsJubu]

Just sounds South African to me with little hints of Jamaican patois chill tf out

[@ANTSEMUT1]

Lol what a upper class git you sound like.

[@sparksmacoy]

@@ANTSEMUT1 just someone who knows accents really well, this one is such a huge mistake, it makes my ears bleed with its in-authenticity.

[@ANTSEMUT1]

@@sparksmacoy sure thing...Jan sure thing.