ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE HOMEWORK


[artificial language] homework, that is.
NOT artificial [language homework]



Write a two-page essay (typed, double-spaced) arguing for or against the universal adoption of an artificial language, based on information you glean from THE ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE LAB and from the article by Edward Sapir, "Wanted: A World Language" (and any links you care to pursue from those sites).

If you argue for a universal artificial language, you may specify a currently known constructed language that you feel has particular advantages, or you may assume that someone will eventually succeed in constructing a language that meets all of Sapir's criteria.

If you argue against a universal artificial language, you should not cite the flaws of particular constructed languages, but show what problems would arise with any such language.

Some questions to consider:

Would it be good for all humans to have a language in common? Why? Would this preclude people speaking other languages in addition, preserving their heritages? What would the world of the future be like if everyone did have a language in common?

What would be the advantages/disadvantages of a naturally occurring human language fulfilling the function of a universal language? Why not English, for example?

Assuming that a fully developed artificial language greatly enhanced communication between humans (and/or aliens), are there any other functions of human language that an artificial language could not fulfill or would not fulfill as well as a naturally occurring language? If so, how would humans using an artificial language go about fulfilling those needs?



Not surprisingly, enthusiasts of constructed languages are very active on the Web. Some particular languages you might want to look at:


There are several informative sites that will point you towards other specific languages and provide general information about constructed languages.


And not to be missed: