Omnilingualism - The Power of Universal Communication

Language is an intrinsic part of human experience. It shapes who we are, how we see the world, and connects people and cultures globally, yet it can also be an obstacle between them. Humans typically spend years learning new languages. They gain accents, phrases, or dialects, idiomatic expressions, and cultural context to enhance understanding.

Wouldn’t it be nice if one didn’t have to spend so much time to learn a new language? If you could speak, understand, and decipher any language—be it spoken words, written symbols, or even non-verbal cues without effort? We call this ability omnilingualism. To me, it represents one of the most fascinating powers in fiction.

The Definition and Mechanics of Omnilingualism

Omnilingualism, sometimes called all-speak or omnispeak, is the power to communicate fluently in any language and comprehend all forms of communication across species and mediums. Unlike multilingualism, where a person speaks several languages, the omnilingual possesses almost mastery over all linguistic systems. They can intuitively understand ancient scripts no living person remembers, decipher alien dialects no human has encountered before, interpret sign languages with ease, and even lip-read or understand body language. Some versions of this power also encompass non-human communication: animal signals such as bird calls or dolphin clicks.

But the scope extends beyond mere verbal or non-verbal communication. Omnilinguals identify patterns in writing systems. This includes computer codes written in myriad programming languages, and even abstract languages like mathematics and music.

While the concept sounds straightforward, it’s rooted in recognizing language patterns at a fundamental level. An omnilingual does not simply memorize dictionaries. Rather, they recognize the underlying structures that govern each language’s grammar and semantics. Eventually, they develop a mental framework that allows them to translate any new language they encounter. This often involves psychic abilities for both passively understanding and actively communicating in real time.

Omnilingualism’s Advantages

As a storyteller, but also from the POV of a character, omnilingualism has many benefits:

• Universal Communication: Omnilinguals could interpret for entire civilizations, easily bridging the gaps between nations and even species. 
• Enhanced Empathy: Beyond the words themselves, noticing subtle nuances—tone, gestures, and even sarcasm—provides users with greater insight into the speakers' intentions.
• Cross-Species Diplomacy: Advanced pattern recognition allows interpretation of animal signals, eliminating the need for approximation in animal communication.
• Code Breaking: Deciphering ancient inscriptions and hacking complex digital encryptions, potentially even alien ones, expands the scope from simple communication to encompass the fields of archaeology and espionage.

Omnilingualism’s Pitfalls

Although omnilingualism simplifies storytelling by overcoming language barriers, it has several drawbacks. While it allows diverse characters to interact smoothly, it also raises questions about the authenticity and depth of the cultures represented. If every character speaks every language perfectly at all times, the cultural diversity might become flattened or superficial. 

Here are some more cons:

• Limited Scope: Most fictional characters only speak human languages, unless they can make animal sounds or understand complex computer languages or magical tongues that require special skills. 
• Learning Curve: Mastery often comes with time and experience, rather than being present from the start. While omnilinguals may comprehend written text, their spoken fluency often lags until they master the grammatical rules.
• Contextual Nuances & Figurative Language: Understanding idioms, like “raining cats and dogs,” can be difficult without a strong cultural background, which many people initially lack.
• Physical Expression Limitations: Accurate physical pronunciation and gestures require physical skills that not all possess (e.g., forming mouth shapes for unfamiliar sounds).
• Non-verbal Communication Complexity: It takes a perceptive person to pick up on subtle cues in body language.

Omnilingualism in Fiction

Many science fiction stories rely on the concept of omnilingualism to enable characters to communicate with alien civilizations. The Doctor, from Doctor Who, effortlessly translates alien languages in his many galactic encounters. But science fiction also explores technology that could bridge communication gaps. Star Trek's universal translator, for instance, instantly converts alien languages into one’s humans can understand.

A recent example is Arrival (2016), directed by Denis Villeneuve. Based on Ted Chiang’s novella Story of Your Life, the movie introduces an alien species known as Heptapods who communicate through complex, non-linear language. The central premise revolves around humanity’s attempt to understand this extraterrestrial communication. The movie also highlights potential limitations inherent in a universal translator-like device. Misinterpretations result if the translator overlooks contextual clues or lacks cultural sensitivity to alien languages.

Other than sci-fi, fantasy, and supernatural characters, feature omnilinguals:

• In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf interacts with multiple races and shows expertise in ancient runes.
• In Marvel Comics, Allspeak allows Asgardians like Thor to understand every species in their native language. Moreover, Douglas Ramsey (Cypher) uses pattern recognition to understand nearly any code, including alien communications.
• In the Buffy-Verse, the Goddess Glory knows multiple mystical texts across different cultures. Illyria from Angel shows near-perfect comprehension of various ancient dialects.
• Charmed’s whitelighters, Leo Wyatt and Paige Matthews, show how empathy and linguistic ability are crucial for effective interdimensional diplomacy.

Omnilingualism’s Takeaways

Omnilingualism is a superpower that shows humanity’s desire for connection beyond borders. It offers endless storytelling possibilities, such as smoother interactions between diverse characters and enhanced world-building. Yet, it requires a delicate approach so that authors avoid oversimplifying cultural complexities and the genuine communication issues that create tension. But authors have to be careful not to oversimplify things and miss cultural complexities and the genuine communication issues that create tension.

Imagine the adventures and career opportunities that would open up if you were fluent in every language. Being an omnilinguals would allow me to travel the world, converse with anyone, translate anything, create new languages, and decipher ancient texts and forgotten knowledge.

Sign up for the Tales From The Omniverse

Join SK Alexander’s email list and receive updates on his author's life, special offers, and upcoming releases. As a thank you, you'll get Wicked, the paranormal short story that introduces Nathaniel Colt, the main character of The Empath Series, straight to your inbox.