The Secrets Behind Futurama's Enigmatic Alien Language Unveiled

Summary

Futurama is known for its complex lore and attention to detail, which includes the creation of two different alien languages: Alienese 1 (AL1) and Alienese 2 (AL2).

AL1 is a basic code that substitutes characters, while AL2 converts English letters to numbers and symbols. The decoding of AL2 required several years and is mainly connected with the Nibblonians.

Alienese can be spotted numerous times in the show, particularly in the opening scene and on different signs and structures. Online decoders are accessible to translate the concealed messages in Alienese.

The alien language in Futurama holds significant meaning, but many viewers are unaware of its true interpretation. Futurama meticulously crafts its storyline, characters, and even planets to create a cohesive universe, and the alien language is no exception. The creators invested considerable thought into this recurring series gag. This article aims to explore everything there is to know about Futurama's alien language, from translation techniques to where it can be spotted, and the actual meaning behind it.

Recently, Futurama has made a comeback with its eleventh season, after being canceled in 2013. Hulu has released new episodes, maintaining the show's original quality and keeping the beloved characters, jokes, and storylines intact. One aspect that sets Futurama apart is its complexity, often incorporating math and science into its humor. The show has even gone so far as to develop intricate equations to solve its plotlines. The alien language used in the series is a prime example of this complexity, with a rich history surrounding it.

Futurama Actually Has 2 Different Alien Languages (& They Can Both Be Translated)

Futurama actually possesses not one, but two distinct alien languages that can be deciphered. The initial language, known as Alienese or Alien Language 1 (AL1), was created as a joke in the early stages of Futurama. AL1 is a basic substitution code in which each alien symbol represents a letter, number, or punctuation mark in the English language. It was quickly solved and became a popular game with the audience.

Realizing the swift success of AL1, the writers of Futurama decided to challenge the audience once again. A second version of Alienese, referred to as AL2, emerged a few years later, appearing as early as Futurama season 3. Unlike AL1, AL2 translates each English letter into a numeric value. For instance, A=0, B=1, and so on. Each numeric value is then assigned a corresponding symbol. To decipher AL2, one must subtract the numeric value of a symbol from the numeric value of the symbol preceding it, resulting in a letter. If the calculation yields a value less than 0, 26 is added. Despite its highly confusing nature, this method proves to be effective.

It took several years for AL2 to be decoded properly, as some symbols were not available until the release of the Bender's Big Score movie, which happened years after AL2 was introduced. However, it was eventually solved. In a 2013 interview with Wired, Futurama showrunner David X. Cohen disclosed the creation of a third language by the writers. However, this language was never utilized in the show due to its excessive complexity. This is quite significant considering the extensive time it took to crack AL2. Fortunately, various Alienese decoders can now be found online, making it quick and easy to unveil the hidden messages in Futurama.

Who Speaks The Alien Language In Futurama

There is an alien language in Futurama known as Alienese, which primarily exists for the enjoyment of the show's fans. However, there are also in-universe reasons for its existence. In the episode titled "Leela's Homeworld," it was revealed that Leela's parents can speak Alienese, as indicated by the presence of AL1 on a note next to her. Alienese, represented by AL1, appears to be a commonly used language in the Futurama universe, with signs and buildings on different planets displaying this distinctive script.

Where To Spot Futurama's Alien Languages & What They Mean

AL2, on the other hand, is a much more rare occurrence. It has been confirmed that AL2 serves as the language of the Nibblonians, the extraterrestrial species to which Nibbler belongs. However, AL2 has also been documented in other locations, implying that it may be possible for the inhabitants of the Futurama universe to learn it. The origins and evolution of Alienese have not been explored in depth within the series, but it appears to have developed among various species during the time period spanning from 1999 to 3000.

The presence of Alienese in Futurama is widespread, but it is most prominently featured in the show's opening sequence. Within the intro, three Alienese signs can be observed, each with its own translation: "rent a human," "3D Rulez!," and "Tasty human burgers." Alienese makes appearances in every season of Futurama, and it even crosses over into The Simpsons universe, with one instance translating to Bart's well-known catchphrase "EAT MY SHORTS." The Infosphere, a Futurama fan wiki, meticulously documents every occurrence of Alienese in the show, providing a valuable reference for Futurama's unique alien language.

New episodes of Futurama season 11 release Mondays on Hulu.