What is Minionese and why is it relevant for plurilingualism studies?

The Minions' language, often referred to as Minionese, is a blend of nonsensical sounds as well as words and phrases from various real-world languages. It is a unique linguistic code that is both intelligible and unintelligible at the same time, and that has become a recognizable and iconic part of the Minions' identity.

Minionese is relevant for plurilingualism studies because it captures the holistic and dynamic nature of plurilingual speakers’ linguistic repertoires. Research has shown that plurilinguals have a single, yet complex and inter-related repertoire that consists of linguistic resources – i.e. languages and varieties – that they have acquired in several ways (at home, at school, independently, etc.) and for which they have different skills (everyday conversation, reading, etc.) and different levels of competence. In plurilingual communicative situations, speakers activate the various resources of their linguistic repertoires in dynamic ways to articulate thought and to co-construct meaning with their interlocutors. This happens, for instance, when we listen to a friend speaking in one language and reply in another, or when we combine words and elements from various languages within a single communicative event.

Some researchers define this dynamic use of multiple linguistic resources as translanguaging. What does this have to do with Minionese? Well, what the Minions do with language can, if taken to the extreme, be considered a fictional example of translanguaging. Those little, yellow creatures draw from a range of languages, including English, Spanish, French and Italian, blending them with nonsensical words in a unique linguistic code that is distinct from any single language. As such, Minionese blurs the lines between languages and highlights the fluid, dynamic nature of language use. While apparently unintelligible and hilarious, their way of using language appears to work well in communicative events: the Minions can for instance effectively interact with Gru, listening to him while he speaks English and making themselves understood in Minionese.

One of the key features of translanguaging is that it challenges traditional notions of language as a fixed, monolithic code. Minionese, like real-life forms of translanguaging, playfully shows that shuttling between languages is indeed possible, communicatively effective, and fun, too. Whether you are a linguist, a fan of the films, or simply someone who appreciates the power of language, Minionese is a phenomenon that is definitely worth enjoying and celebrating.