Trivia / Star Trek: The Next Generation S5E2 "Darmok"

• From Entertainment to Education: The episode is sometimes taught in communications classes, due to its premise of friendly communication between cultures that are at first incomprehensible to each other.
• You Look Familiar: The Tamarian Captain Dathon is played by Paul Winfield, who'd previously played Capt. Terrell in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

A Very Loose Guide to the Tamarian Language

• Darmok/Jalad on the Ocean: A person who is isolated or alone, possibly travelling
• Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra: Two strangers/enemies who becomes friends/comrades after facing a common enemy or dangerous situation
• Darmok and Jalad on the ocean: Two friends/comrades travelling together.
• Darmok of Kanza. Jalad of the Kiteo: Introductions between two people.
• Shaka, when the walls fell: Failure, disaster, tragedy
• Temba, his arms wide: Somebody giving a gift or assistance
• Temba at rest: Declining a gift because it is not necessary
• The beast at Tanagra: A problem or crisis 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
• Mirab, with sails unfurled: Leaving a place (depending on the inflection, it can be an order or Screw This, I'm Outta Here)
• Sokath, his eyes uncovered/opened: Coming to an understanding/realization.
• The river Temarc in winter: Be quiet/silence/stop at once!
• Kurlash, when it rises: When something stays lifted and supported. (Possibly a baked food?)
• Kalimash at Bahar: Everything is okay.
• 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)
• Kiazi's Children, their faces wet: Do not be concerned/It's nothing.
• Rai and Jiri at Lungha. Rai of Lowani. Lowani under two moons. Jiri of Ubaya. Ubaya of crossroads, at Lungha. Lungha, her sky gray: The longest "sentence". It probably necessitates a bit of split up:
  • Rai and Jiri at Lungha: A meeting between two people; intended as a friendly, open greeting.
  • Rai of Lowani. Lowani under two moons: We are Tamarians. We hail from the planet Tama.
  • Jiri of Ubaya: Noting another entity is a federation/organisation.
  • Ubaya of crossroads, at Lungha: Noting that a federation/organisation consists of a multitude of different peoples/cultures.
  • Lungha, her sky gray: Sending someone a message, in the hope of establishing a cordial relation.
• Uzani, his army: Strategy or tactics
  • Uzani, his army with fists open: A strategy to lure the enemy towards you by spreading your forces
  • Uzani, his army with fists closed: To close ranks 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.
• From Star Trek: Lower Decks:
  • Rapunki, when he joined the seven: An acknowledgement of being welcomed to a new group.
  • Bazminti, when he pulled back the veil: To spy, or otherwise observe one's enemy.
  • The path to Kamata, in Spring: Expression of relaxation or joy.
  • Gramble, his throat slit by his mistress: A mistake brought on by clumsiness.
  • Coltar, when he drowned in the swamp: Sympathy for an unpleasant situation(?)
  • Karno, in the forest with Mira: Overeating or calling someone overweight.
  • Unzak, when he guided the florkas to their roost: Reassurance when bringing or escorting something to a destination.