Star Trek’s Robert O’Reilly, J.G. Hertzler and Marc Okrand discuss the Klingon language in virtual panel from The Museum of Science Fiction

(L-R) Robert O’Reilly as Martok, Marc Okrand (linguist), and J.G. Hertzler as Gowron

With their rich history, unique language and standout characters, it should be no surprise that the Klingon culture has had a lasting impact on the Star Trek universe. That impact brought together linguist Marc Okrand and Star Trek actors Robert O’Reilly and J.G. Hertzler for last night’s virtual panel, titled “Klingons! - Interpreting Alien Language and Culture”, presented by the Museum of Science Fiction.

Okrand, Hertzler and O’Reilly traded laughs, some friendly jabs and many stories from their time with Star Trek, both on screen and meeting fans. Marc Okrand, creator of the Klingon language, gave a brief introduction. He provided a narrative history of the language and Klingon culture, from their first appearance in 1967 to the 1990s, when Hertzler and O’Reilly would find their place on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in the roles of Martok and Gowron, respectively.

It probably won’t surprise you to hear that the Klingon language is hard to learn. O’Reilly recalled being told, “You’ve got to spit more!” when speaking Klingon. All three men commented on the surprising number of Star Trek fans who have taken up the challenge of learning the unique language. “We’ve run into several Klingons around the world who speak [the language],” Hertzler said in the panel. Referring to Okrand and his Klingon dictionary, he went on to say, “They’ve gotten your book. They’ve memorized the conjugations.”

When asked to describe the Klingon culture, O’Reilly weighed in, saying, “Of course, they are a warrior race. But they are also bigger than life [...] They’re very Shakespearean. They’re very heroic. They don’t hide anything. They’re out there - and that’s to be admired.” 

The Museum of Science Fiction, largely a system of virtual services, hopes to one day establish a brick and mortar facility allowing the exploration of the “story” of science fiction through displays, interactivity, and programs in ways that excite, educate, entertain, and create a new generation of dreamers. For more information, visit museumofsciencefiction.org.