Language as a Tool for Peace: The Power of Communication in ‘Arrival’

Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Arrival’ (2016) is a deeply philosophical science fiction film that explores the transformative power of language. At its heart, the story is not about alien invasions or global panic, but about the potential for communication to bridge divides between species, nations, and even between the past and future. Through the journey of linguist Dr. Louise Banks, ‘Arrival’ presents language not as a mere tool for information exchange, but as the foundation for understanding, empathy, and peace.

When twelve mysterious alien ships land across the globe, the world’s immediate reaction is fear. Military forces mobilise, governments grow suspicious of one another, and assumptions about the aliens’ intentions threaten to spiral into violence. It is in this charged atmosphere that Louise is brought in, tasked with decoding the aliens’ language — a unique, circular script produced by the Heptapods. The pressure is immense: one wrong interpretation could mean global conflict.

What ‘Arrival’ masterfully conveys is that true communication requires more than translation. Louise’s process is slow, deliberate, and deeply human. She does not simply try to extract meaning; she builds trust. This stands in stark contrast to the urgency and aggression of the political and military leaders, who demand quick answers and presume hostility. The film challenges the audience to consider how often misunderstandings and violence stem from assumptions and a lack of genuine dialogue.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

As Louise begins to understand the alien language, she also begins to experience time non-linearly — a key feature of the Heptapods’ perception. Their language doesn’t just describe reality; it reshapes cognition. This linguistic shift reveals that the aliens come in peace, bearing a gift: their language itself, which can change the way humanity thinks and sees time. It’s a profound metaphor for how new perspectives, made possible through communication, can reshape not only knowledge but identity and worldview.

In Arrival, language becomes a powerful counterforce to fear, suspicion, and war. Louise's ability to truly listen, interpret, and connect becomes the most important skill in saving humanity. The film reminds us that in a world where conflicts often escalate from miscommunication, the patience to understand one another may be the most valuable form of diplomacy we have. Through language, ‘Arrival’ argues, peace is not only possible — it is inevitable, if we are willing to listen.

–Farheen Ali