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In his article, Bogost claims that “the Federation never really grasps Tamarian communication”, however, i would venture to disagree. regardless of the team’s success in securing trade or future relations, a deeper grasp and personal understanding is conveyed through the two main characters of this episode. On full display are topics and ideas of being open minded and connectivity, urging the audience and viewers to bridge differences and cultivate a respect for cultures they may not understand. in doing so, communication is not only effectively accomplished, but encouraged for the viewer as a whole.

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This total cognizance is exemplified through Dathon and Picard’s conversation after the altercation with the creature, where the two sit beside the fire. The two have reached pique enlightenment of understanding each other.

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Come morning, danger seems to loom as ominous roaring is heard from afar. Dathon exclaims more adages, and with his newfound comprehension, Picard is able to uncover that this race of aliens communicates “by citing example, by metaphor!”

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When night approaches, and Picard cannot create a fire, Dathon comes to his aid, claiming the sentiment “Temba, his arms wide.” Using context clues, Picard comes to the understanding that due to Dathon helping him, the words denote a certain kindness—Temba is a person, and the act of holding arms wide expresses compassion. inklings of understanding are seen here as the Picard begin to comprehend the foreign tongue.

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After attempting to settle their discussions to no avail, the alien captain Dathon transports the enterprise captain Picard to the surface of El-Adrel IV. it is clear that no harm is intended between either of the two parties, though frustration is in them both as they grapple with attempting to understand one another’s words.

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Though these aliens seem to speak a language reminiscent of English, (even going as far as to use english vernacular such as “the river…in winter”) the enterprise crew is still baffled as to what exactly these creatures mean, and struggle to understand what they are trying to convey. Very early on into the episode, it seems as though communication was not at all possible, as stated by Commander Data.

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Origins of the earliest forms of communication can be observed through cave paintings and cuneiform, displaying different means of written language and complex thought. the issue of conflicting, contradicting language would not cease here, as a seemingly endless stream of new languages came to be throughout time across vast new lands. Star Trek interpolates on this idea in the second episode of season five, entitled “Darmok”.