The Dresden Files > DF Spoilers
Thomas's Cell
Mira:
--- Quote from: morriswalters on October 16, 2021, 11:02:43 PM ---I see the humor of it, but if he don't have a Mantle how does he speak a modern language.
And thus we go round and round and get dizzy.
--- End quote ---
That is why the Star Trek or better DR Who explanation is a good work around, or good science fiction story for that matter Star Trek, implanted universal translator. DR Who, when traveling in time in the TARDIS, language where ever he/she and his/her companion goes the TARDIS translates the language automatically of the place where they land. Alfred or the island does that automatically, keeps misunderstandings to a minimum, Alfred and or the Warden have to be able to understand what anyone trying to venture onto the island are saying. So what ever language the "British Prisoner" is saying, Harry hears it in English, Thomas could very well also if it is cleared for him to listen to communication.
morriswalters:
@Mira
I could make up several plausible ways that speech could be translated. That isn't my point. If the prisoner is some old moldy guy from way back when he would be just as unintelligible as Merlin.
The_Sibelis:
--- Quote from: morriswalters on October 16, 2021, 11:02:43 PM ---I see the humor of it, but if he don't have a Mantle how does he speak a modern language.
And thus we go round and round and get dizzy.
--- End quote ---
well, he wasn't actually speaking so... What Harry heard was all technically a translation of thoughts. Almost like say, the outer gates are put into terms he can understand. Whoever it is has a rudimentary enough vocabulary to know "piss off", the puts him possibly around the Anglo-Saxon/gaol merger? The thoughts of someone who knows speech would be similar enough.
Mira:
--- Quote from: morriswalters on October 18, 2021, 02:44:32 PM ---@Mira
I could make up several plausible ways that speech could be translated. That isn't my point. If the prisoner is some old moldy guy from way back when he would be just as unintelligible as Merlin.
--- End quote ---
Why would he, the same rules for translation apply.. If you go with the idea that Merlin is from Roman times, he could be speaking Latin, or if you go with him speaking Anglo-Saxon, it would be translated into Harry's head. Having said that it doesn't mean it is Merlin, Harry hears Outsiders in an British accent.. Perhaps Jim just like to write them? Harry also understands some of the bigger monsters in the prison if he cares to study them and their thoughts are communicated to him.. I doubt that they are intelligible, but still he understands them.
groinkick:
--- Quote from: morriswalters on October 18, 2021, 02:44:32 PM ---@Mira
I could make up several plausible ways that speech could be translated. That isn't my point. If the prisoner is some old moldy guy from way back when he would be just as unintelligible as Merlin.
--- End quote ---
They are locked in crystal. Their mouths are not moving, they aren't speaking in an audible way. Any communication being done will be done telepathically which means that language probably doesn't matter. If the person were Japanese, and only spoke Japanese, Harry could probably still understand them because he is getting the message they are trying to convey.
At least that's how I think it works. Remember that Chauncy, a demon in the Never Never spoke to Harry with a British accent as well. Don't think Chauncy is British though.
Harry's mind might be causing him to hear it that way because on some level he's perceiving them as an aristocrat, and thinks of them having an accent like that.
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