Talk Like Jar Jar Binks Day (August 19th)

Interested in learning a second language? Perhaps there’s some motivation to invest in learning to speak Spanish, French, Japanese, or… Guganese?! 

While it might not be so easy to find the Rosetta Stone recordings or an app that teaches Guganese, this day is all about talking like the slightly infamous fictional character from the Star Wars franchise – Jar Jar Binks.

“Aye-Yee-Yee! Wha!” It’s time to celebrate Talk Like Jar Jar Binks Day!

History of Talk Like Jar Jar Binks Day

The background of Talk Like Jar Jar Binks Day can be traced back to 1977 when the original Star Wars movie was first released. Or perhaps the phrase, “a long time ago in a galaxy far far away,” would be a more appropriate origin story for this day?

In any case, the character that this day commemorates didn’t actually arrive on the big screen until 1999 when he was revealed as a strange character in the story’s prequel, The Phantom Menace. Binks was a Gungan from the planet Naboo who was a bit clumsy but was also instrumental in helping determine the emperor for the Galactic Empire.

Jar Jar Binks was also the first ever computer-generated (CGI) supporting character to appear in a live action film. Appearing with huge names like Natalie Portman, Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor, he had a fairly amazing role!

The most notable characteristic of Jar Jar Binks was his rather unique way of speaking that is slightly reminiscent of a child’s language with some special pronunciations and phrases. It also has some similarities to pidgin English. And this makes Jar Jar the perfect candidate for a “talk like” day, celebrated in his honor!

The first celebration of Talk Like Jar Jar Binks Day took place in 2016 when it was established, likely out of a small amount of silliness and a larger amount of nostalgia from Star Wars fans. The celebration date was decided in honor of the birthday of the actor who played Jar Jar, Ahmed Best.

How to Celebrate Talk Like Jar Jar Binks Day

Fans of Jar Jar can get excited and a little bit silly when celebrating Talk Like Jar Jar Binks Day using some of these ideas:

Watch the Star Wars Movies

Of course, in preparation for Talk Like Jar Jar Binks Day, it might be a good idea to get into character by viewing the Star Wars franchise films that featured him. Check out The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), and Revenge of the Sith (2005) to get started. Add in The Clone Wars (2008) television series or just do some YouTube research for scenes specific to Jar Jar Binks.

Use Some Jar Jar Binks Words

“Whoo-Hoo-Hoo!” Get more connected with Talk Like Jar Jar Binks Day by remembering and sharing, whether in person or on social media, some funny phrases that any self-respecting Star Wars fan will understand. Access a larger dictionary through an online search, or start with some of these:

• “Ex-Squeeze” – Excuse me
• “Okeyday” – Okay
• “Garbareeno” – Garbage
• “Hata Hata” – Oh My Goodness