Overview

• George Lucas stated that Yoda's backward speech was designed to make audiences focus on his philosophical dialogue, particularly targeting younger viewers.
• Lucas explained during the TCM Classic Film Festival that Yoda's role as the film's philosopher required a speaking style that commanded attention, especially from 12-year-olds.
• The speech pattern was also a practical choice to create an alien yet comprehensible language without relying on subtitles, as Lucas detailed in earlier interviews.
• Canonically, Yoda's syntax reflects his advanced age and adherence to an antiquated form of the galactic language, though it is also suggested to be a personal choice.
• Dave Filoni added that Yoda's speech may honor his own master, distinguishing it from other members of his species, such as Jedi Master Yaddle, who do not share the same syntax.