Analyzing Manus 'Language In The Play'

Translations

Translation's is about how important power and language are in a community and how they are both linked. It also deciphers the idea of whether languages can be accurately translated. However this play also shows that to communicate it is not just spoken language but also body language that is used to communicate and form a relationship.
We're first introduced to the importance of language at the start of the play when Manus is teaching Sarah to speak properly. From this extract we see that it is hugely important to be able to speak the proper language and how it has disadvantaged Sarah by not doing so. One of the main focus points of her teaching is being able to say her name and this shows that it is important to know your identity and knowing your identity gives you pride and power. As Sarah comes closer to learning the language Manus and Sarah form a special relationship, one which ends up with them having feelings for each other and this shows that even though they can not speak the language fluently together they still have formed a relationship showing that it is not just the spoken word you need to form a relationship. When she is learning Manus says ‘Nothing will stop us now, nothing in the whole world!' This step Sarah has taken has meant she has gained power in her own right from leaning
For instance when Sarah is being taught by Manus, Sarah begins to have feelings for Manus and she begins to think he does as well because of the way he hugs her and how he kissed her on the head and this shows that she read his body language and thought he fancied her however this was misread. Sarah communicated with Manus through body language and miming and this shows that the spoken word is of no importance to communicate with one