composition
This is the shape Dr. Banks draws on the chalkboard to demonstrate semasiographic writing.
What is a circle with a diagonal line?
Louise tells her daughter that waiting can make this even more enjoyable.
What is anticipation?
The spoken and written languages of the Heptapods are referred to by these names.
What are Heptapod A and Heptapod B?
This physicist walks toward the trailer before Louise catches up with him.
Who is Gary?
Dr. Banks explains that semasiographic writing conveys meaning without reference to this.
What is speech?
Louise’s daughter practices this traditional Hawaiian dance before their trip.
What is hula dancing?
Unlike human languages, Heptapod B is described as having this unique structure.
What is a two-dimensional grammar?
This military official is overseeing the language translation efforts.
Who is Colonel Webber?
This type of written language represents speech directly, according to Dr. Banks.
What is glottographic writing?
Louise’s daughter insists on bringing this toy, even though there isn’t much room in her suitcase.
What is an Etch-a-Sketch?
The Heptapods modify this part of a logogram to change meaning, such as adding
"clearly" to "hear."
Gary compares learning Heptapod A and B to this frustrating aspect of the English language.
What is English spelling?
In Heptapod B, a noun’s role in a sentence is determined by this feature, rather than word order.
What is orientation relative to the verb?
Louise tells her daughter she won’t have time for this because there will be so many fun things to do.
What are toys?
Louise compares Heptapod B to these human notational systems that convey meaning without speech.
What are mathematical equations, music notation, and dance notation?
why is Gary concerned about talking English.
what is he dosent eant the space monsters to lern English
Heptapod B is described as a full-fledged version of this type of language.
What is a graphical language?
When Louise’s daughter thinks hard, these appear above her eyebrows.
What are dimples?
The Heptapods’ use of two different languages may suggest they see this aspect of human writing as redundant.
What is using the same system for both speech and writing?
Gary expresses concern that learning Heptapod B will not help with this specific goal.
What is learning their spoken language?