The Translation Device was a device onboard Snowpiercer. As it's name suggests, it translates sentences to different languages for easier communication between people who don't speak the same language.
Description[]
The translation devices are slim and round with a black triangular part sticking out from the bottom, which is where the cable connects. Several buttons including an on/off button is found at the top of the device, illuminated blue when taken off their holders.
The devices work by connecting 2 of them together with the cable and either holding them near the individuals' throat or pressing it into them. The language detection is automatic and the sentence is translated once the device recognizes that the individual has stopped talking. If an unknown word such as a nickname is put through to translate, the translation device will respond with "Unknown words. Try again with correct vocabulary."
"Unknown words. Try again with correct vocabulary."
There are at least 12 translation devices found on special holders in the Prison & Drawers car. These holders are presumably magnetic and also charge the device when not in use. It's unknown what other cars house a holder for the devices as there isn't any to be found in any of the other filming sets.
Throughout the Film[]
The translation device is first used in the Prison & Drawers car between Namgoong and Curtis. Curtis keeps calling him ‘Nam,’ to which Song responds: “‘남궁’까지가 성이고 ‘민수’ 가 이름이다 이 무식한 새끼야.” (“‘Namgung’ is my surname and ‘Minsu’ is the name, you ignorant bastard.”) The device is stumped because he has a rare two-syllable family name — he should be called either ‘Namgung’ or ‘Minsu,’ but never just ‘Nam.’ The translator machine can’t make sense of this, and so as Namgoong rants, the device responds with "Unknown words. Try again with correct vocabulary."[1]
The device is seen in use again when Namgoong is opening the doors to the Abandoned Section in the Protein Processing Car while Edgar is insulting and telling him to hurry up.
Gallery[]
