Freeman's Unusual Proficiency In Languages

[RandomGuy]

I've counted, and it seems like Gordon speaks English, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, and Spanish. Do you think he actually knows these languages, or just a few phrases? How does he know all these languages? Also, what does he say in Haitian (episode 12) and Hindi? The spanish is very easy to translate since I learned spanish as simple as this back in Middle School (Yo quiero un poco drogas. Estan dondes? Tengo dinero = I want some drugs. Where are they? I have money), and someone was kind enough to translate the German (show me the money), but I have't seen anyone know what he says in Haitian or Hindi.

[Alyxx Thorne]

It's just part of his quirky personality, I guess.

I think if he graduated from MiT, it's likely he knows a language or two in addition to English. But I think he's just picking up phrases from working with international colleagues.

[MadDogBV]

But I think he's just picking up phrases from working with international colleagues.

 

That's speculation. I don't really see any indication that any of his colleagues at Black Mesa speak any language other than English. I think he even claimed at one point that he had a working knowledge of Haitian and Hindi, enough so that if he had to flee to those countries he would still be well off. I'm inclined to believe that he learned these languages at MIT, since it fits in with his backstory.

[alphabetagamma]

My guess is that his personal life is weird/shady enough that he would need to learn the extra languages. The fact that he knows Eddie makes his life pretty strange.

[Ross Scott]

I don't know about MIT but many universities require you to learn at least 2 other languages in order to earn a PhD.

[Alyxx Thorne]

I don't know about MIT but many universities require you to learn at least 2 other languages in order to earn a PhD.

Yeah, that's what I thought too. Also, he's been in Austria so it would make sense for him to know German.

[Blue]

I don't know about MIT but many universities require you to learn at least 2 other languages in order to earn a PhD.

Yeah, that's what I thought too. Also, he's been in Austria so it would make sense for him to know German.

Knowing Low, High and/or Bavarian each might be considered seperate languages xD

[Otto]

Only a few phrases, for the most part. Just to get him by on the right gang in the right country.

[Jek Jek Roo]

Or maybe he doesn't know perfectly all of these languages. Maybe he was using a few words, or phrases in diffrent language?

[Gyvon]

To graduate with a bachelors degree in the US, you have to pass at least 2 "foreign language" classes. Not enough to be considered fluent, but enough to get by. As to how he seems know so many, maybe he had a few holes in his class schedule and whatever scholarship he went to school on required a full-time schedule, so he picked a few extra language courses, because golf class sounds boring.

[nukular]

Or maybe he doesn't know perfectly all of these languages. Maybe he was using a few words, or phrases in diffrent language?

 

No, he doesnt No offense Ross, but I didn't really understand the first word (zeigen = show) at first (I had to read the subtitles^^). But the rest was pretty good (better then the german of some people who live here ) and I must admit that german ist probably a lot harder to speak/lern than english.

Oh and keeping in mind that Freeman learned german in Austria it wasn't THAT bad...these guys down there have a very strange accent :D

 

(And now I hope you Americans and Englishmen won't tear me apart because my english isn't perfect either )

Edited June 13, 2011 by Guest (see edit history)

[Pinkie Pie]

I put all those as his languages in my Freeman Facebook page. Cause you know, I have nothing better to do.

[DeWolfeJV]

 

(And now I hope you Americans and Englishmen won't tear me apart because my english isn't perfect either )

 

How could you imagine such a thing? We're all friends here, right? Right? ...

[Otto]

Of course we won't tear you apart; we're used to far worse from native English speakers online.

[Pinkie Pie]

You are tearing me apart nukular!!

 

Sorry, it had to be said. :3

[MadDogBV]

You are tearing me apart nukular!!

 

Sorry, it had to be said. :3

 

[Blightmare]

I really do think he's just learning particular phrases he thinks will someday come in handy. I mean, I don't know jack shit about spanish yet I say "La Fiestas del Diablo estan en mi pantalones." to my friends whenever they start speaking French in front of me, just to throw off their conversation..

 

and yes, I know, spanish is not french. that's why I say it.

[DeWolfeJV]

"La Fiestas del Diablo estan en mi pantalones."

 

I might use that as a new catchphrase. Hilarious line XD

[alphabetagamma]

I really do think he's just learning particular phrases he thinks will someday come in handy. I mean, I don't know jack shit about spanish yet I say "La Fiestas del Diablo estan en mi pantalones." to my friends whenever they start speaking French in front of me, just to throw off their conversation..

 

and yes, I know, spanish is not french. that's why I say it.

I know Google translate isn't perfect but, "The Devil's Party are in my pants"? How did you even come up with that?!

[Blightmare]

Google had nothing to do with this translation. estan, last I was told by my mexican aunt, translates into "to be" so the rough translation I was told was "the devil's party is in my pants." and it's a variation on an even older quote my family jokes about which was "El gato esta en mi pantalones"

 

I may be wrong. As I said, i know little to nothing of spanish. I'm just going on what my aunt told me. XD