star wars - Why does C-3PO talk to R2-D2 in English?

Whenever we see C-3PO talking to R2-D2, he talks in English (well, that's what we hear) so at least not in the 'binary' beeps that R2-D2 uses.

Why doesn't C-3PO talk in R2's 'beeping' language when they're together and there's no need for a translation? Surely C-3P0 could speak in that language, being both a translator and a droid. I'm looking for in-universe answers, because of course it's done on-screen for our benefit of understanding what R2 is saying!

Answer

C-3PO is programmed for etiquette and protocol; so undoubtedly he would speak Galactic Basic to R2-D2 if any others are present, so that everyone can understand what he is saying. However this doesn't explain why he speaks it to R2-D2 when no one else is around, for example when they are alone in the desert wastes of Tattooine.

We know C-3PO prefers some languages to others. In TESB he complains about the Millennium Falcon's communication:

C-3PO (to Han): Sir, I don't know where your ship learned to communicate, but it has the most peculiar dialect.

It is possible he finds R2-D2's "beep language" ugly or has some other prejudice against it. Given his frequent efforts to insult and belittle R2-D2, C-3PO may consider beep language to be beneath him.

Also, as Numaroth says, speaking Galactic Basic may simply be a habit for C-3PO. It appears to be the language he uses to talk and grumble to himself, for example in the opening scene of ANH when he mutters "I'm going to regret this" as he climbs into the escape pod.

One thing which seems to be evidence of this, but really isn't, is C-3PO speaking Basic to Jabba the Hutt in ROTJ. According to the answer to this question, he is not considered worthy to speak Huttese to Jabba and would have been severely punished if he tried.

Comments

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