"The Paradise Syndrome": How Does Kirk Understand the Native Language?

[Zapp Brannigan]

I'd always assumed universal translators were subcutaneous devices, so Kirk understood the language because he still had his translator installed.

 

[Henoch]

I'd always assumed universal translators were subcutaneous devices, so Kirk understood the language because he still had his translator installed.

Agreed. In Patterns Of Force, Kirk and Spock are fitted with a subcutaneous transponder which is needed (perhaps for universal translation?) is case they can't use their communicators. This theory assumes that the device duplicates the universal translator function of the communicator, and that it was uploaded with the latest Ekosian-to-English translation. As for the transporter tracking feature, it's another function of the transponder just as its a function of the communicator to send coordinates to the ship's transporter.

KIRK: We've run into a far more serious problem than the disappearance of John Gill. Spock, you and I will beam down. Bones, one precaution. Prepare a subcutaneous transponder in the event we can't use our communicators.
...
KIRK: Insert the transponders. Make one low pass to communication range in three hours. If we fail to make contact at the appointed time, take our co-ordinates from the transponder and beam us aboard no matter what our condition may be.

 

[scotpens]

In Patterns Of Force, Kirk and Spock are fitted with a subcutaneous transponder which is needed (perhaps for universal translation?) is case they can't use their communicators. This theory assumes that the device duplicates the universal translator function of the communicator, and that it was uploaded with the latest Ekosian-to-English translation.

A transponder is a wireless device that picks up and automatically responds to an incoming signal. Transponders are typically used for detecting, identifying and locating objects, such as aircraft. Of course, the word could possibly have a different meaning in the 23rd century.

 

[ZapBrannigan]

A transponder is a wireless device that picks up and automatically responds to an incoming signal. Transponders are typically used for detecting, identifying and locating objects, such as aircraft. Of course, the word could possibly have a different meaning in the 23rd century.

I'd say transponder had the known definition, as stated above, in "Patterns of Force." The Transporter Room scene made the purpose pretty clear. The idea was to find and beam up Kirk and Spock if they lost their communicators. Ping. There they are.

 

[Henoch]

Since a Medical Doctor needed to implant it (and I assume remove it without a rusty piece of metal, that is), it must have not been possible to keep it permanently implanted in a person maybe due to long term medical problems, after all, it does contain rubindium crystals.

 

[ANejat]

I guess this is one of the episode's flaws (among many others).

They're all flawed with universal translators. In ENT,

Spoiler

the characters randomly change languages from their language to English.

 

[Henoch]

Maybe, when they encounter advanced aliens, they benefit from the alien's universal translators...

 

[Shawnster]

I'd say transponder had the known definition, as stated above, in "Patterns of Force." The Transporter Room scene made the purpose pretty clear. The idea was to find and beam up Kirk and Spock if they lost their communicators. Ping. There they are.

Would have been convenient had they remembered they had this technology in subsequent episodes of the franchise

 

[Mytran]

Would have been convenient had they remembered they had this technology in subsequent episodes of the franchise

That Scalosian water would have come in handy too

 

[Shawnster]

That Scalosian water would have come in handy too

That'd make an interesting plot point where they need to use the water only to discover prolonged exposure causes irreparable damage.

 

[deselby]

In the case of sci-fi, I'm willing to go with the cockamamie idea that the English language is so inevitable that any sufficiently advanced life form in the universe would come up with it independently.