Is the Language Spoken in Borat Fictitious or Based on Real Languages?

Many viewers of the Borat film series have marveled at the unique and often exuberant language spoken by the character. However, a common question arises: is the language in Borat a completely fictional creation or does it have real roots in Slavic languages?

The First Film: A Mosaic of Languages

In the first Borat. movie, the language spoken by the character is a blend of various languages, including English, Hebrew, Polish, and Romanian. This mix gives the character a distinct and sometimes confusing communication style that fits the satirical tone of the film.

When Borat greets someone with 'Jag si masz,' and 'dzikuj,' he is actually using Polish. In Polish, 'Jak si masz' means 'How are you,' and 'dzikuj' means 'thank you.' This mix of languages showcases the creative liberalism with which Sacha Baron Cohen approached the character.

The Second Film: A Retreat to Familiar Slavic Sounds

By the time of the second film, the language used by Borat has been somewhat simplified, with a focus on Slavic languages, specifically English, Hebrew, Polish, and Bulgarian. These are quite different from English and tend to share Slavic roots, which can make them recognizable to those familiar with these languages.

Strangely, when Borat says 'Jak si masz' (pronounced as 'Yag si masz' in the original recording), he is not using Czech, but rather Polish. The correct translation is 'Jak sie masz,' which roughly means 'How are you.' This mix-up can be attributed to the poor pronunciation and comedic effect Sacha Cohen intended for his character. In fact, the phrase 'Jak se má' (or 'Yag seh maash') in Czech is also used to mean 'How are you,' making the confusion even more amusing.

Understanding the Borat Language Phenomenon

The Borat language, a creation of Sacha Baron Cohen, is a blend of different Slavic languages, heavily influenced by Polish. This linguistic mix adds to the character's humor and relatability, making the 'Yagzemash' phrase a signature of the Borat experience.

However, why did Borat stick with using Polish phrases instead of other Slavic languages like Russian or Ukrainian? This choice is likely based on the comedic timing and the Polish language's distinct pronunciation that can be worked into jokes more effectively.

It's worth noting that the inclusion of Slavic languages in the Borat character fits the broader context of the film's exploration of cultural ignorance and assumption. The use of Polish and other Slavic languages adds to the depiction of Borat as a crude outsider, often leading to humorous misunderstandings and cultural faux pas.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Borat language may appear fictional, it is a mixture of real Slavic languages, primarily Polish, with an emphasis on entertaining discrepancies and humorous pronunciation. This approach highlights the broader themes of the Borat character, blending humor with cultural commentary.

Whether you are a fan of the Borat films or simply interested in studying the languages used in these unique characters, understanding the Borat language can provide a fascinating insight into both the art of comedy and the complexities of linguistic mixtures.

With a mix of Slavic languages, a playful and satirical tone, and a unique character, Borat has left a lasting impression on audiences around the world.