Updated 2022
Minecraft is a digital sandbox world created by Mojang studios and developer Markus “Notch” Persson. In the game, you are free to explore seemingly limitless boundaries and create anything your heart desires—as long as you can make it with the various 3d blocks you find in the world.
In Minecraft, just like its name, you’re free to explore the world while collecting and mining raw materials. You can also craft tools and items or go a step further and create hulking fortresses and castles. Besides mining and building, you also have the option to fight NPCs (non-player characters) or even duke it out against other players. Depending on your preferences, you can start from scratch and begin the journey to digital millions—a.k.a. Survival mode—or you can skip the queue and inherit unlimited resources and even flight—a.k.a. Creative mode. On top of all these options, you can even create your own gameplay mechanics, including personalized items and assets.
Talk about a sweet deal!
However, there is one part of Minecraft that has players scratching their heads—Minecraft enchantment table language.
Want to know the secrets behind the enchanting table? Of course, you do! Let’s dive in.
What is Minecraft Enchantment Table Language?
If you’re a regular player of Minecraft, you’ll know that there are tons of secrets to stumble upon during the game. Unless, of course, you’ve Googled for them.
Don’t worry, though. Your secret’s safe with us! We know how difficult it is to find some of these secrets, so we don’t blame you.
In saying that, Minecraft’s enchantment table language has been a perplexing puzzle for many gamers. But that’s all about to change.
The language shown on the enchantment table is called the Standard Galactic alphabet—no, it’s not a random mix of mismatched symbols from the English language. This alphabet isn’t unique to Minecraft either. It was developed for the Commander Keen video game series.
The idea behind the Standard Galactic alphabet—if you haven’t guessed already—was to create a language that represents different languages found in our galaxy. The SG alphabet represents alien languages in games and adds a magical and intriguing touch to any text.
Much more interesting than using English, right?
Now for the part that you’ve all been waiting for…
Let’s learn how to read Minecraft’s enchantment table language.
How to Read Minecraft’s Enchantment Table Language
No, you don’t have to learn a new language to read the Standard Galactic alphabet. All you have to do is substitute the relevant Latin alphabet letter to get a readable word.
To keep the guessing to a minimum, one Reddit user put together a super helpful substitution chart that will translate anything you need.
Source: Reddit—cadeflame
However, being able to read these translations doesn’t make them particularly useful—unless you’re looking for some light-hearted fun. There’s no actual use for these translations as they end up creating random, mainly English, words.
Another Reddit user NyoraCat posted a lengthy evaluation of all the possible Minecraft translations.
Here’s What They Found:
Source: Reddit—NyoraCat
As you can see, while there are substitutions that make actual words, it’s quite a random combination. Ashley Claudino at The Gamer believes that some non-English words are nods to creatures that aren’t from our realm. For example, Cthulhu from H.P. Lovecraft’s novels and Klaatu, the alien from the movie The Day The Earth Stood Still.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use the Standard Galactic alphabet to your own benefit. Now that you’re aware of the language’s Latin script substitutions, you can create fun messages within the game or even in the real world.
If you want to get some practice in, post your translations on Facebook or Instagram and tag us @DayTranslations.
Minecraft’s 9 Secret Language Settings
While there are many different languages available in Minecraft’s language settings, some don’t belong.
If you look through Minecraft Wiki’s language directory, there are 119 different languages and corresponding locale codes. Minecraft players can use these to change language settings within their settings menu.
However, if you scroll through each option carefully, you’ll notice some super funny languages in this popular game that aren’t used in any country.
To save you time, here’s the language and its corresponding locale code:
- 24: Pirate Speak – en_pt
- 25: Upside down English – en_ud
- 27: Anglish – enp
- 28: Shakespearean English – enws
- 29: Esperanto – eo_uy
- 65: la .lojban. – jbo_en
- 92: Quenya – qya_aa
- 108: Klingon – tlh_aa
- Not added yet: Toki Pona – tok
What Other Game Languages Have You Come Across?
Are there any in-game languages you want us at Day Translations to decipher for you? Let us know in the comments below.
PS – We’re looking forward to reading your Standard Galactic alphabet messages. Don’t forget them!