(Untitled)

[fghjkauuuuuugh]

I was thinking, a little earlier about what kind of internal system a Babelfish would need to survive

Comments

[mostinquisitive]

Ah, I do not know if a Babel Fish would have a remarkably different internal system in terms of outline, but perhaps the mechanics of it would be very different. All its cells would definitely be specializes and differentiated to process brainwaves to do its function. It is possible that it could absorb sound and brainwaves like a plant does photons, but the fact that it absorbs those waves in its digestive system and excretes brainwaves for its wearer, so to speak, to understand, then I would assume that those sound waves and brainwaves could be part of its food. There are other possibilities for the fish to absorb the waves, too, than just through courtesy of an organelle like chlorophyll but for sound and brainwaves

[fghjkauuuuuugh]

Could you simplify that a little? I'm not a biologist; I only play one on tv.

[mostinquisitive]

I will try.

I was saying your thought of the Babel fish absorbing brain and sound waves like plants do in photosynthesis while also taking nutrient's from its host would be a bit contradictory as something similar to photosynthesis would be like an autotroph while taking from another source for food and not to make its own food would be like a heterotroph.

Though, I do agree that the Babel fish would have to have cells evolved, specialized, and differentiated to handle sound and brain waves and convert it for its function as the type of universal translator that it is said to be.

Is that simplified enough? I am afraid I cannot tell how simple or complicated I make subjects when in discussion.

[fghjkauuuuuugh]

It's still a little complicated, but I understand.

[luvernfighter]

Why in the world are you inquisitive about a Babelfish at this time of night?

[fghjkauuuuuugh]

I came across it while searching wikipedia and was thinking about how useful it would be.

...Well,perhaps not to us. But the anthropologists would love it.

[luvernfighter]

How so, Rhea?

[fghjkauuuuuugh]

Well, if they could understand every language on earth it would be so much easier for them to integrate into different communities and study them! Whereas, it doesn't matter if we have a babelfish in our ears - most of the time we have to read things in different languages, rather than hear them.

And besides, if we could understand all languages instantly...I guess it would be a little boring. I don't know about you, but coming across a document all in Latin and wondering what it contains before you try and translate it...that's sort of. Fun.

[drinkacupoftea]

There's always coffee and sandwiches!

[fghjkauuuuuugh]

You like sandwiches?

[drinkacupoftea]

I like midnight explorations!

[fghjkauuuuuugh]

Really?