Analyzing The Heptapods Language

The multiple Oscar nominated film Arrival features aliens, scientists, and military personnel. All of these characters are expected in a typical movie about aliens, but, uniquely, the main character in this film is a linguist. The action of the story begins when twelve unidentified objects touch down in different locations around the world. At first, all of the nations are trying to work together to figure out what is happening. The United States recruits linguistics professor Louise Banks to attempt to translate what the aliens are saying. The main question being, what their purpose is on earth. The aliens are called Heptapods. They have seven limbs, each one ending in a “hand” that opens to look like a starfish. The Heptapods have gray, leather-like skin and no eyes, mouths, or ears are ever shown. They are giant compared to humans and are able to walk and fly. The aliens look like giant gray human hands with extra fingers. The human characters interact with two of the Heptapods, which they name Abbot and Costello. …show more content…
This hypothesis states that the structure of a language determines or greatly influences the modes of thought and behavioral characteristic of the culture in which it is spoken (Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis). The Heptapods’ language is non-linear, therefore, they perceive time differently than humans. By stretching the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, Banks learns that the Heptapods have the ability to see into the future because of the non-linear aspect of their language. When she begins to understand their language, she also gains the ability to see into the future. Flashbacks of Banks’s life are played throughout the movie, but they are actually flashes of the future, caused by her understanding of the Heptapod language. Banks is finally able to ask the aliens why they are here, and their response is “offer weapon.” China got this same response, but it translated to “use