Is the Mongolian in Ghost of Tsushima Accurate? Unveiling the Linguistic Truth
Yes, the Mongolian language spoken by the Mongol invaders in Ghost of Tsushima is largely accurate. Sucker Punch Productions, the developers behind the game, went to great lengths to ensure the language used was not just gibberish, but actual modern Mongolian. However, like many historical representations in fictional media, there are nuances and simplifications to consider. The degree of accuracy is commendable, making the experience feel authentic and immersive for players familiar with the language.
The Devil is in the Details: Linguistic Authenticity in Ghost of Tsushima
A Committed Effort
The developers didn’t just throw random Mongolian phrases into the game. They enlisted the help of native Mongolian speakers and linguistic consultants to translate dialogue and ensure correct pronunciation. This commitment to authenticity is evident in the vocabulary used and the overall grammatical structure of the sentences spoken by the Mongol characters.
Modern Mongolian vs. Historical Dialects
One crucial point is that the language used is modern Mongolian, not the specific dialect that would have been spoken in the 13th century during the actual Mongol invasions of Japan. While significant changes haven’t occurred to make it unintelligible, the distinction is worth noting for linguistic purists. Using the contemporary tongue was likely a practical decision to make the language understandable and relatable to modern Mongolian speakers, adding to the immersion for that audience.
The Impact of Accent and Delivery
Beyond the vocabulary and grammar, the accent and delivery of the Mongolian dialogue also contribute to the overall authenticity. The actors portraying the Mongol characters were coached on how to properly pronounce the words and convey the appropriate tone, adding another layer of realism to the game’s portrayal of the invaders. While the specific accent may not perfectly mirror that of a 13th-century Mongol warrior (an impossible task), it avoids sounding jarring or inauthentic.
Small Sacrifices for Clarity and Gameplay
While aiming for accuracy, the developers may have also made some minor sacrifices for the sake of clarity and gameplay. Complex grammatical structures or archaic vocabulary might have been simplified to ensure players could understand the general meaning of the dialogue and follow the storyline. Such decisions are common in historical fiction, where entertainment value often takes precedence over absolute historical correctness.
A Valuable Educational Tool
Despite these minor compromises, Ghost of Tsushima serves as a valuable tool for learning about Mongolian language and culture. For those unfamiliar with the language, hearing it spoken in the game can spark curiosity and encourage further exploration of Mongolian history and linguistics. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) highlights the potential of games like Ghost of Tsushima in fostering cultural understanding and linguistic awareness. The game creates an engaging context for players to encounter a language they might never have otherwise heard, planting the seeds for future learning and appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are the names of the Mongol invaders in Ghost of Tsushima real?
While it was true that it was the Mongol invaders who attacked Tsushima, the names of the invaders in the game are all fictional. For example, Khotun Khan is a made-up character.
2. Do the Japanese characters speak accurate Japanese?
Yes, the Japanese characters speak Japanese in the game, just as expected. The developers likely invested significant effort in ensuring the accuracy of the Japanese dialogue as well.
3. Is the geography of Tsushima Island accurately represented in the game?
Many of Ghost of Tsushima’s in-game locations can be visited in real life, as the game paints an accurate portrayal of the Japanese island. However, some artistic liberties may have been taken to enhance the gameplay experience.
4. How historically accurate is the armor in Ghost of Tsushima?
While not all of the armor is perfectly accurate in Ghost of Tsushima, the Mongolian army’s armor largely parallels what they would have worn in real life, with only some minor exceptions.
5. Was the Sakai clan a real clan in Japan?
There is a real-life Sakai clan, but it wasn’t founded until the 14th century, long after the events of the game come to an end. Also, the clan was never spearheaded by a man with the first name Jin.
6. Did the Mongols actually invade Tsushima Island?
Yes, it was November 5th, 1274 when the Mongol invasion of Japan began with an attack on Tsushima.
7. Was there a real Mongol leader named Khotun Khan?
There was no Mongol leader known as Khotun Khan.
8. Did the Mongols ever successfully invade Japan?
No, Japan didn’t defeat Mongols. The Mongols failure was because of the storm on the sea; their fleet was destroyed.
9. Is Iki Island, featured in the DLC, a real place?
Iki Island (Ikishima) is indeed a real island located between South Korea and the prefecture of Fukuoka.
10. Is Jin Sakai a real historical figure?
Ghost of Tsushima characters never existed in history. Jin Sakai and his uncle, Lord Shimura, weren’t present at the initial battle for Tsushima, nor was anyone with similar naming. Both characters are entirely fictional.
11. Was the Battle of Komoda Beach a real historical event?
Historically, the spot where Mongolian armed forces first made their attack, Komoda Beach, today is a beautiful spot with stunning sea and pristine white sand.
12. What kind of Mongolian is spoken in the game?
The language used by Mongol soldiers in the game is modern Mongolian.
13. What ultimately stopped the Mongol invasion of Japan?
The Mongol invasion was ultimately stopped by a devastating typhoon, which the Japanese referred to as the kamikaze or “divine wind.”
14. Is Jin Sakai based on a real person?
Protagonist Jin Sakai isn’t based on a historical figure, although some of his actions in the game, such as learning Mongol tactics (the Way of the Ghost) to wage war against the invaders, are inspired by historical events.
15. Did Genghis Khan lead the invasion of Japan?
The Khan amassed a fleet of some 800-900 ships and dispatched it from Korea to Japan in early November 1274 CE. The ships carried an army of some 16,600-40,000 men, which consisted of Mongols and conscripted Chinese and Koreans.
In conclusion, while Ghost of Tsushima is a work of fiction, the developers’ commitment to using accurate modern Mongolian adds a layer of authenticity and immersion to the game. While there might be minor deviations from historical accuracy for gameplay and narrative purposes, the use of the language is commendable and can even serve as an educational tool. The GamesLearningSociety.org understands the power of games in education and this game is a good example of that.