The aliens in this play speak English. Do you think this is their language? What could be the language of the aliens?
No, English is most likely not the native language of the aliens. The aliens in the play are Martians from Mars Space Control, and it is highly improbable that beings from another planet would naturally speak an Earth language. The play depicts them speaking English primarily for the convenience of the audience and readers, so that the communication and humour of the play can be easily understood.
The language of the aliens could be a unique Martian language that is entirely different from any language found on Earth. Since they are from a different planet, their language might involve different sounds, frequencies, or even non-verbal methods of communication that humans cannot easily comprehend. It could also be an advanced form of communication such as telepathy or signals that do not rely on spoken words at all. Given their advanced technology and space capabilities, their language would likely be sophisticated and distinct from Earthly languages.
Explanation
The question tests the student's ability to think critically and logically about the dramatic convention used in the play. In science fiction plays and stories, aliens are often shown speaking English for practical reasons—the audience needs to understand the dialogue. However, students must recognise that Martians would not naturally speak English. Their language would be something entirely alien, possibly involving different sensory modes of communication. The textbook encourages this analytical thinking through the 'Talk about it' section.