Translator
Pre-1980s (Spolin)
Also known as Gibberish Interpreter, Alien Translator, Gibberish Translation
One player speaks only gibberish; another translates line-by-line into English. Often deployed as an expert interview, lecture, poem recital, or diplomatic speech.
Known for
- A Viola Spolin staple at The Second City; demonstrated on PBS's Chicago Stories: Inventing Improv.
- Alien/Ambassador/Diplomat scenarios are common framings.
- Translator's job is to appear respectful to the gibberish-speaker — reverence sells the humor.
Connected to
Games