Is a New Language for Science Necessary for Progress?

  • Context: Lingusitics 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the necessity and implications of creating a new language specifically for science. Participants explore whether such a language could facilitate scientific communication, its potential impact on accessibility, and the historical context of previous attempts at establishing a universal scientific language.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether a new language for science would hinder or help progress, considering the prevalence of jargon in current scientific communication.
  • There is a suggestion that mathematics could serve as a universal language for science, as it is seen as a precise tool for description.
  • One participant proposes combining English, Latin, and Greek as a foundation for a scientific language.
  • Another participant expresses satisfaction with the current use of English and mathematics, suggesting that new words can be added as needed.
  • Concerns are raised about the political implications of a global language, with some arguing that scientists should have the autonomy to choose their vocabulary.
  • A historical reference is made to Esperanto as a previous attempt at creating a universal language, though its relevance to the current discussion is debated.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the need for a completely new language, questioning the effectiveness of such a change.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a range of opinions, with no clear consensus on whether a new language for science is necessary or beneficial. Some support the idea while others argue against it, highlighting the complexity of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the historical context of language development in science, noting that previous attempts at universal languages have not been widely adopted. There are also discussions about the implications of technical vocabulary on accessibility and understanding in science.

quddusaliquddus
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Do you think it's a good idea to make a whole new language for science/scientists?
Any ideas on how it'd work?
Can maths could be considered such a language?
Have there been attempts in the past to create such a language?
Woud it hinder progress in the long run?
Would it make it harder for people to get into science?

... considering the fact that jargons are everywhere and it does sound like people are living on the different planet when they speak on thongs needing technical wording and comcepts ...

Woud it help progress in the long run?
Would it make it easier for people to get into science?

... considering the fact that a lot of scientific vocabulary consists of common words which are given technical meanings and therefore this might make it harder for poeple to adapt their familiar use to technical one ...

Would help internationalise science more and therefore increase it's march towards firther progress?

Jus sum random thoughts on the subejct of a language for science [note: not scientific language].
 
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I rather like English. Maths for the nuts and bolts, English for descriptions. And we can make up new words for new things and add them to English.
 
Combine english, latin and greek and there you have the language of science :)
 
Hmmm...we already have that Monique :D
Would it nice to start from scratch again?
 
Right, and if it works fine why change it? :smile:
 
Spoil sport ... :-p
 
Last edited:
Do u know serious/responsible people don't like a common global language. May be u don't like my answer but it is 100% true, especially from political point of view.
 
Why is that? It's for progress of science - I am sure the scientists would agree as they've kinda got a global language thing going anyways ... i think ... it's no upto politicians...it's upto scientists what vocab they use to express they're ideas
 
just use math, it describes everything
 
  • #10
Just English, the universal language, i think...
 
  • #11
It could be quite interesting I suppose... to see average person speak mathematical
 
  • #12
It has been tried before. Can't remember the name of that language, but it combined stuff from all sorts of languages and it was supposed to be the global language.
 
  • #13
right, got it: Esperanto

http://www.innovationwatch.com/connections.2000.08.00.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #14
it is different - we are talkin' about a language with most words being taken from math or physics
 

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