Indy knows everything
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
pieter1985 — 9 years ago(January 10, 2017 01:01 PM)
Although I like the original trilogy, what always kind of bothers me is that Indy claims to be no Ark specialist in ROTLA but has extensive Ark knowledge ready on the go. And in TOD he drops by a small village by accident and knows everything about local folklore, the fact that Pankot palace was closed and speaks their local language.
What actually is Indy's field of specialization supposed to be? (In terms of a certain era or region) -
charzhino — 9 years ago(January 17, 2017 04:58 AM)
I think hes just incredibly knowledgeable on historical religions in general. Plus I think its hinted that he studied in Delhi as he asks for the Universities location. If he has studied there, it would explain how he knows the language, religion and local traditions.
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fjk1138-731-161881 — 9 years ago(February 01, 2017 09:34 AM)
I always saw it that he knew just enough to get by. In TOD, he speaks very few words in the villagers' language, most of what he says is English. In Raiders Sallah could arguably be a translator for him, but again most people speak English to him. Same with the other movies. It's more of a plot device or for the sake of story telling.
As for his knowledge on cultures, I would imagine he studies that rather intensely as it's part of being an archaeologist. However him being an actual expert is plot convenience as well. -
virgiltx — 9 years ago(February 02, 2017 06:13 AM)
It looks like that's true. But it's also partly due to his apparent understanding of their spoken language.
It's all part of Saturday Matinee B-movie magic, by which he also knew that a smallish inflatable life raft would make a perfect three-person parachute.
The story is king.