- Designing Languages

Institution:

The Evergreen State College

Subject:

Description:

Faculty: Susan Fiksdal (linguistics, French), Judy Cushing (computer science) Major areas of study include linguistics and computer science. Class Standing: This all-level program offers appropriate support for freshmen as well as supporting and encouraging those ready for advanced work. Have you wondered about the ways languages work Do you think about how thoughts get translated into language Have you explored differences between natural languages (such as English or French) and artificial languages (such as computer programming languages) Do you know in what ways computer languages are similar to natural languages and the ways in which they differ In this program, we will explore these questions by studying natural language, learning a computer language, and designing a language. Specifically, students will study the structure and function of human language through an introduction to the field of linguistics. This will involve a study of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, discourse, metaphor and pragmatics. Students will learn LOGO, a computer language that makes pleasing designs using some principles of geometry in a step-by-step process. We will work on the connections between natural and artificial languages and we will consider the implications of language design. Some of these implications include considering other sorts of language such as music and mathematics, writing systems, the intersection of culture and language and the functions of language. Finally, students will work collaboratively to create a language. Total: 16 credits. Enrollment: 48 Special Expenses: Approximately $15 for final project expenses. Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in linguistics, languages and computer science. This program is also listed under Programs for Freshmen and Culture, Text and Language. A similar program is expected to be offered in 2010-11.

Credits:

16.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.evergreen.edu

Phone Number:

(360) 867-6170

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Quarter

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