an efficient language would have a single plural indicator, and one word for is/are.
Discussion
Interesting point. Arabic, Russian, and Spanish have such complexities here. I wonder why they developed that way?
I haven’t studied it myself but from my limited understanding Esperanto seems to do it the simple way but I wonder why/how languages developed to be so complex instead of distilling down to a more simple structure over time.
im learning more and more how much we do because thats the way it was done before.
simplification is actually harder. it requires root level understanding, and decision making. ever increasing complexity is easier.
plus, consensus is hard to reach on the earth 😂
It do be that way
^was supposed to be an ironic joke. Not sure if a good one though…
Esperanto seems interesting 🙂
The point of language is neither simplicity nor efficiency.
you are not spokesman for the world. ❤️
I am not, and you are free to learn and speak Esperanto et al.
How about a compromise.
When we describe the overcoming of adversity, standing on a mountain top watching the sun set surrounded by the palpable love and acceptance of God, we don’t make efficiency of adjectives our primary goal.
But when we describe the assembly of water pump gears, we do. ❤️
One trades nuance for efficiency. Increasd nuance provides depth of culture.
i question this premise.
in fact, it echos of “bloat = nuance”
perhaps what ive really stumbled onto is the western addiction to the option of unused options.
Well then the Gricean Maxims might be of interest.
The premise describes observed phenomena; likely your questions are all answered somewhere. Folks have been trying to make language efficient since before the industrial revolution, and as a whole language has been studied from antiquity.
Sure, echos. Don't listen to echos. Nuance's impedance does not mean it is bloat. Bloat impedes without adding value.
Western? Or human?
"Unused"?! Have you ever read good Western or Eastern literature? I'm guessing you don't speak Korean or Georgian. I think you'll find Hangeul interesting :)
Philology is a fun ride. Don't hurt your tongue!