Language 101: Is Language Technology?
A few days ago some friends and I began an inquiry into the question, “Is
language a technology?”
The French sociologist and philosopher Jacques Ellul in The Technological
Society (Vintage Books, 1964) says,” Whenever we see the word technology or
technique, we automatically think of machines. This notion is in fact in
error.”
I agree and would further argue, as I stated in last week’s tip, that
“language is the most advanced ‘technology’ mankind has ever invented.” I
enforce the use of technology here in order to emphasize the incredible
complexity and inventiveness present in the biological world:
all the wisdom of the earth
formed into these bodies
cellular imagination / creation
genius / artistry
Any factory
Any computer
never more stunning than
this hand
this single hair
We underrate ourselves and the natural world and hold the world of machines
and technology in thrall. But what is technology exactly? Is it something
that can evolve over millennia, or something that erupts into existence in a
single flash of brilliance?
Our discussion continues next week when Fritjof Capra and John Perry Barlow
weigh in on the subject.
