In Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, the Ewoks’ unique language gives these furry forest dwellers a sense of mystery and authenticity. Created by sound designer Ben Burtt, the language was crafted from a mix of real-world dialects, including Tibetan and Nepalese. Burtt recorded a native Kalmyk Oirat speaker to build a base, blending sounds from different languages to achieve a chant-like rhythm that matched the Ewoks’ tribal lifestyle.

The Ewok language didn’t need a full dictionary or complex grammar—just enough distinct sounds to make the Ewoks’ culture feel real. This mix of sounds helped set them apart from both the Rebels and the Empire, making their alien language instantly memorable. Today, Star Wars fans continue to invent new Ewok “words,” keeping the spirit of the language alive and celebrating the creativity that went into bringing the Ewoks to life.