How we cite our quotes: Act.Scene.Line
Quote #10
BERENGER: In any case, to convince them you’d have to talk to them. And to talk to them I’d have to learn their language. Or they’d have to learn mine. But what language do I speak? What is my language? French? Am I talking French? Yes, it must be French. But what is French? I can call it French if I want and nobody can say it isn’t—I’m the only one who speaks it. What am I saying? (3.1.1241-1247)
Whew, boy. This is it. This is the moment of the utter collapse of communication in the play. Seriously, what is French? If only one person can speak it, is it still French, and then does it even matter what it’s called? By the end of the play, Berenger is speaking to himself and no one can understand. He’s yelling at nobody (unless, of course, you count the audience). Also, think of the added language disconnect that happens when this play is being performed in English and Berenger is saying he is speaking French. It’s just an added bonus to the language collapse.