The BFG Language and Communication Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

The BFG stopped writing and raised his head slowly. His eyes rested on Sophie’s face. “I is telling you once before,” he said quietly, “that I is never having a chance to go to school. I is full of mistakes. They is not my fault. I do my best. You is a lovely little girl, but please remember that you is not exactly Miss Knoweverything yourself.” “I’m sorry,” Sophie said. “I really am. It is very rude of me to keep correcting you.” (14.31-32)

Even though Sophie is better at language, there is plenty the BFG can teach her about the world. This very serious talk from the BFG finally gets her to focus on what he’s saying instead of his odd word choices. And it’s a good lesson in politeness, too.

Quote #8

“I is reading it hundreds of time,” the BFG said. “And I is still reading it and teaching new words to myself and how to write them. It is the most scrumdiddlyumptious story.” (14.102)

It’s pretty impressive that the BFG taught himself to write using only one book. Even if the book is a long one like Nicholas Nickleby. How he turned Dickens’ 19th-century English into the giant-y garble he speaks remains a mystery.

Quote #9

“Every afternoon,” the BFG said, “all these giants is in the Land of Noddy.” “I can’t understand a word this feller says,” the Head of the Army snapped. “Why doesn’t he speak clearly?” “He means the Land of Nod,” Sophie said. “It’s pretty obvious.” (21.19-21)

Sophie’s questioned the BFG’s language herself, but she won’t let someone else do it. She’s the BFG’s friend, and friends stick up for each other’s funny talking habits. Also, this is the only time she’s fresh with anyone.