- "This is my Universal Translator, although it only translates into an incomprehensible dead language."
- ―Hubert J. Farnsworth
- "(speaking into the mic) Hello!"
- ―Cubert Farnsworth
- "Bonjour!"
- ―Universal Translator
- "Crazy gibberish!"
- ―Hubert J. Farnsworth
The Universal Translator was one of a long series of "half-inventions" created by Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth.
Farnsworth intended for it to be able to translate every language which was currently in use. However, because of a malfunction, it could only translate words into an unknown and long-dead language, which is revealed to be French. Upon hearing a translation while demonstrating the device to Cubert, Farnsworth describes it as "Crazy gibberish!"
Another version is used by Zapp Brannigan to negotiate a peace treaty with the Conquerons although it is the same shape and design externally this version is smaller and can translate into English.
Trivia[]
- Star Trek first popularized the idea of an universal translator.
- French was already established as a dead language in "Space Pilot 3000."
- In the French translation of the series, the "dead language" was German.