The Expanse: Why Do Some Belters Lack The Distinctive Accent?
The Expanse's final season ended early this year, but the world it portrayed remains vivid in the minds of science fiction enthusiasts. The technological questions it explores are fascinating, but so are the political ones. In a world where humanity has expanded throughout the solar system, what divisions arise? How does new technology affect alliances and animosities? And how do people demonstrate which factions they align with?
As far as the last question goes, there is one group who tends to shout their loyalties at the top of their lungs: the Belters. Those raised in the Asteroid Belt, away from the Inner Planets of Earth, Luna, Mars, are proud of their ability to survive and adapt. They have learned to ration food and water however they can. They turn rust buckets into working ships. Where the common language of the Inner Planets seems to have become English, the Belters, likely over several generations, developed their own Creole language incorporating various tongues from Earth. This language is another demonstration of their resourcefulness, as Creoles are developed by people from different backgrounds who must find a way to communicate with one another.
Overused Sci-Fi Tropes That Should Be Retired
Most Belters speak this Creole as their first language, and when they do speak English, tend to speak in a Belter dialect with a unique accent. A few Belters in the show, however, lack these features in their speech. The show never explains why, but with context clues, it's possible to discern.
The reason a Belter might change the way they speak is most likely the same reason why some people in the real world do the same: stereotypes and social stigmas associated with the way one speaks, and the desire to either embrace
Read more on gamerant.com
