The Vulcan language is spoken by the Vulcans of the planet Vulcan.
Written language
Six variations on the Vulcan script
The Vulcan written language has several different forms, some of which combine with each other.
The primary version resembles terrestrial musical notes and is written in vertical columns running top-to-bottom, left-to-the right. The primary Vulcan script consists of a central staff, along which, spirals, long and short dashes and dots are written (ENT: The Seventh, Kir'Shara). A more stylized version of this script appears on the Promenade of Deep Space 9.
A second writing system seems to consist of simple squiggles, spirals and dots and can be used separately or in tandem with the primary script. A sequence of several symbols from this script appears on many forms of Vulcan clothing. This script is also written vertically. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, ENT: Breaking the Ice, Fusion, et al.)
A third cuneiform like script appears on Vulcan starship hulls and in some Vulcan homes and temples. This script appears to run left-to-right like English. (Star Trek: The Motion Picture, TNG: Unification II)
Examples of spoken language
- Kroykah
- Stop! or Enough!
- It was used by T'Pau during Spock's Koon-ut-kal-if-fee on Vulcan in 2267. (TOS: "Amok Time")
Gishen worla eerk-banol.
- He's never what I expect.
Koon-ut-kal-if-fee
- Marriage or challenge
Dif tor heh smusma
- Live long and prosper
Wak wi-at wik bot, oot-lan?
- What surprises you, lieutenant?
Ishk-veng ni... koomihn.
- He's so... human.
Kling-off lami bof-ik, Saavik-kam.
- Nobody's perfect, Saavik.
(Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)
- Ponfo miran
- Go to hell. (ENT: "Broken Bow")
Examples of spoken language (untranslated)
Tiar marra! (may be offensive)
Examples of spoken language (non-canon)
He' elef ka hij.
- Oh yes you do." McCoy to Spock ("Spock's World")
Other references
- When the USS Enterprise encountered a Melkotian buoy in 2268, it spoke to the crew in their native languages, which included the Vulcan language, as heard by Spock. (TOS: "Spectre of the Gun")
- A dreidel-like children's toy bore lettering from the Vulcan "alphabet" in TNG: "Unification II".
Additional References
- Star Trek Movies:
- TOS: "Amok Time"
- VOY: "Gravity"
- ENT:
- "Strange New World"
- "Fallen Hero"
- "Home"