While Minions don’t speak an actual language, minionese, as it came to be known, is a combination of multiple languages- English, Filipino, French, Hindi, Korean, and even Spanish.
For example, they say Banana a lot to mean food and use words like ‘poulet tiki masala’- a combination of the French word for chicken and an Indian chicken dish. When the Minions count, however, they do it in Korean and use ‘gelato’ to mean ice cream.
Hollywood has a long history of inventing complicated languages for its characters. For example, linguists were employed to create new languages for the Navi of Avatar, the Dothraki of Game of Thrones,' and Star Trek’s Klingon.
Nothing as elaborate would be utilized for the movie Minions, however, and it is said that its directors, Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin, came up with the mish-mash language that is minionese.
Speaking minionese is not as easy as it looks. While it may sound like baby speak, it’s actually a little more complicated.
For one, you have to master (well, at least learn a few words!) Filipino, French, Hindi, Korean, and Spanish. Second, you have to learn to mix them flawlessly. Third, randomly change the first letters with B’s or P’s. Fourth, speak in a high-pitched voice.
If all else fails, just keep saying ‘banana!’