
Step into the fascinating world of Dragon Ball through the lens of its unique and mysterious Namekian language! From its distinct hieroglyphic script to its frequent use of semi-voiced sounds like “papipupepo,” the Namekian language has sparked curiosity not only among anime fans but also linguists and language enthusiasts alike.
What makes Namekian so intriguing? Is it simply a fictional creation, or does it have some real-world linguistic ties? To uncover these secrets, we chatted with Ziphil Shaleiras—a language expert and member of Baton Inc., the company behind the popular YouTuber group QuizKnock. Ziphil, who’s also the creator of the artificial language Shaleira, took a deep dive into the Namekian language, offering insights that will blow the minds of Dragon Ball fans and language lovers alike.

Ziphil’s knowledge is unmatched—he even read all 42 volumes of the Dragon Ball manga just before the interview! With his sharp observations, he uncovered hidden linguistic gems that fans might have missed. So, what makes Namekian so unique, and how does it compare to real-world languages? Let’s break it down.
The Namekian Language: More Than Just Words
Is Namekian only used in “special” scenes? Ziphil points out that Namekian feels more like a “liturgical language,” used in formal or sacred contexts. Just like how Latin is used in Catholic rituals or Classical Arabic in Islam, Namekian often pops up during important scenes, such as when summoning Porunga, the Namekian Dragon. It’s not a language you’d hear casually between characters, but rather something used to convey importance, reverence, or mystery.
Interestingly, Dragon Ball showcases Namekian being spoken during dramatic moments—like when Piccolo (Majunia) and Kami switch from speaking a common language to Namekian mid-battle. This sudden switch resembles “code-switching,” a real-world phenomenon where bilinguals alternate between languages depending on the context, much like switching from Japanese to English.

The Shape of the Letters: A Language of Ritual
Ziphil dives deep into the visual design of Namekian, comparing the simple, angular letters seen in casual conversations with the more intricate, ritualistic characters used during Porunga’s summoning. This visual distinction hints at the difference between everyday speech and sacred, formal use—much like how religious texts are written with a sense of gravity and reverence.




He even goes as far as to say that Namekian letters resemble the Tifnagh script (used by Berbers) and Hangul (the Korean script), and they might be intentionally designed to convey a sense of sacredness through their simplicity and form.
A Language So Rare, It’s Like an Ancient Dialect

When it comes to the sound of Namekian, Ziphil points out the abundance of “papipupepo” sounds, which are easy for young children to pronounce. But what makes Namekian even more fascinating is its rarity in the linguistic world. With fewer fricative sounds like “sa” or “cha,” Namekian resembles languages spoken by only 8% of the world’s population, such as the languages of Australian Aboriginals. Despite its limited sounds (roughly 8 to 10 consonants), Ziphil emphasizes that it’s not unrealistic—languages like Hawaiian have a similarly small sound inventory.
A Fellow Creator’s Admiration for Toriyama’s Balance



As a creator of artificial languages himself, Ziphil is in awe of Akira Toriyama’s ability to balance creativity with practicality. While some languages in fiction are overdeveloped to the point of hindering the story, Toriyama’s Namekian strikes the perfect balance. It’s detailed enough to feel authentic, but not so complex that it distracts from the plot.
The Connection Between Language and Culture
Through the lens of language, Ziphil connects Namekian’s simplicity with the Namekian culture. For example, the symbol for “god” in Namekian is an inverted triangle—a minimalist shape that conveys divinity in its simplicity, much like how some cultures use language to represent abstract ideas in tangible forms. Ziphil himself draws parallels between this and his own creation of the Shaleira language, which he designed to express his own worldview.
Conclusion: A Language Rich in Meaning, Yet Simple in Form
Whether you’re a Dragon Ball aficionado or a language enthusiast, the Namekian language offers a treasure trove of secrets to explore. From its elegant letterforms to its rich sound structure, Namekian proves that even the simplest languages can be full of depth and meaning. Thanks to experts like Ziphil, we now know that the Namekian language is much more than just a fictional creation—it’s a carefully crafted tool that enhances the Dragon Ball universe.
Stay tuned for more linguistic revelations, and remember: in the world of Dragon Ball, even the language has a story to tell!