tue 06 feb 2007 23:40:00 — amsterdam
a better language
a better natural language ...
-- wouldn't require any secret knowledge to speak it like a native. you could just go by the code. there wouldn't be any esoteric genders buried inside obscure abbreviations.
-- would be composed of sounds that are distinct enough from each other that the meaning would withstand mispronunciation.
-- would have spelling and pronunciation directly related.
-- wouldn't have any silent or spurious letters that don't convey information.
i bring this up because i've noticed that very often natural languages serve two functions: to commune with each other, but also to exclude. a better language would be more about communion, it wouldn't spend so much energy trying to point out the failings of foreigners.