Re: The Future Language

>From: Dennis Paul Himes "<dennis@...>"
>Subject:      Re: The Future Language
>
>Nik Taylor <fortytwo@...> wrote:
>>
>> Artem Kouzminykh wrote:
>> > but not in relatively close future, not
>> > in 21-22 centuries anyway. May be in the 4th millenium;-)
>>
>> 21 centuries from now WILL be in the 4th millennium, unless you meant
>> "21st-22nd century"
>
>    Actually 21 centuries from now it will be the 41st Century, which is the
>first century of the Fifth Millennium.
>
>    As far as language change in the future goes, I've always thought that
>the development of recorded sound will slow down change in the spoken
>language.  Didn't the invention of the printing press slow down change in
>the written language?
I do agree that putting words into fixed media creates an inertial mass
that resists a change in direction. But it is so hard to predict how the
ball will bounce with each innovation. I am totally surprised at the
takeoff of linux against the established momentum of windows. Certain
times are productive of revolutions that seemed impossible before. When
mankind feels constrained by the structure of old language forms, they
will be abandoned and new forms will arise. When that will happen is
anyone's guess, but I am sure it will happen.

Xap ku fuihy ron dis ijor vu.
Permit that: the wind necessarily (always) is located behind you.
May the wind be always at your back.

Jerry