Overview

• George Lucas shared that Yoda’s backwards speech was intentionally crafted to make audiences focus on his philosophical teachings, particularly younger viewers.
• Lucas explained that reversing Basic, the Star Wars galaxy’s primary language, created a speech pattern that felt alien yet understandable without requiring subtitles.
• Yoda’s role as the film’s philosopher was central to the decision, with Lucas aiming to ensure viewers, especially children, paid attention to his dialogue.
• The in-universe explanation ties Yoda’s speech to his advanced age and use of an archaic dialect of Basic, reflecting his 900-year lifespan.
• Dave Filoni noted that Frank Oz, Yoda’s original puppeteer and voice, once described the speech pattern as an homage to Yoda’s own master.