[MUD-Dev] Usability and interface

[clawrenc at cup.hp.com]

In <199709202032.5760.hridil.ifi.uio.no at ifi.uio.no>, on 09/20/97 
   at 01:47 PM, Ola Fosheim Gr stad  <olag at ifi.uio.no> said:

>A language consists of a set of symbols and some rules for combining
>them. Nothing magic...  

The problem with this definition of languags is is its mechanics.  It
ignores the fact that often the most important signal conveyed by
language has little to do with the values of the symbols used. 
Poetry, especially nonsense rhyme (cf C S Lewis), is the perfect case,
but the whole world of analogy, allusion, and inference also pertain. 
Metaphores and similies are mere specific cases.

To look at it another way, language can be considered an algebra which
has the capability to constanty redefine its own symbols and values,
AND to redefine the units and frames of reference in which those
symbols are defined.  As such it is an incredibly amorphous beast.  

--
J C Lawrence                           Internet: claw at null.net
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