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It's interesting you draw this parallel; I've pondered the same for a while now. After programming for several years, I wonder how I would fare trying to pick u

It's interesting you draw this parallel; I've pondered the same for a while now. After programming for several years, I wonder how I would fare trying to pick up a second spoken language using similar tactics to learning a programming language.

kurtisc 8y ago
The only carry-over I've had is a faster understanding of concepts like noun phrases acting similarly to parsing expressions.
52-6F-62 8y ago
I've wondered that as well but approach the subject with much more apprehension. With programming languages I just get it set up and blow things up until I get something to work, and carry on. Largely out of impatience and moxy. No fear! Then again I don't just hop into writing memory allocators. Similarly I suppose her first experience with a language isn't to attempt to translate at the UN. It's also more fun that way. It sounds like she had a similar attitude with written languages.
kd5bjo 8y ago
I’m in the middle of this process right now, actually. My programming background has helped a lot with the written language— using dictionaries and grammar references to write sentences is very similar to writing code in a new language by referring to its manual. The transfer to speaking and listening is much less pronounced, as my brain hasn’t fully realized that the spoken and written languages are the same.
- scj 8y ago
  The barrier I've noticed when switching from reading to listening, is adapting to native accents. I suppose real-time vs. at my own pace is another aspect that comes into play.
  - wallflower 8y ago
    Reading is always easier than listening because you can control the rate while reading. With a live conversation partner, you cannot do that yet, until we have accurate, real-time subtitling, perhaps with AR. The hack is to find video material that has exact or near exact subtitles in your target language. By using a short, repeatable video, you will be able to associate sounds with the words, not the other way around. Since spoken language is sounds, you have to start with the sounds. It can be easy to get frustrated as it is a process of repeated listening. For that reason, choose something you like.

kurtisc 8y ago

The only carry-over I've had is a faster understanding of concepts like noun phrases acting similarly to parsing expressions.

52-6F-62 8y ago

I've wondered that as well but approach the subject with much more apprehension. With programming languages I just get it set up and blow things up until I get something to work, and carry on. Largely out of impatience and moxy. No fear! Then again I don't just hop into writing memory allocators. Similarly I suppose her first experience with a language isn't to attempt to translate at the UN. It's also more fun that way. It sounds like she had a similar attitude with written languages.

kd5bjo 8y ago

I’m in the middle of this process right now, actually. My programming background has helped a lot with the written language— using dictionaries and grammar references to write sentences is very similar to writing code in a new language by referring to its manual. The transfer to speaking and listening is much less pronounced, as my brain hasn’t fully realized that the spoken and written languages are the same.

scj 8y ago
The barrier I've noticed when switching from reading to listening, is adapting to native accents. I suppose real-time vs. at my own pace is another aspect that comes into play.
- wallflower 8y ago
  Reading is always easier than listening because you can control the rate while reading. With a live conversation partner, you cannot do that yet, until we have accurate, real-time subtitling, perhaps with AR. The hack is to find video material that has exact or near exact subtitles in your target language. By using a short, repeatable video, you will be able to associate sounds with the words, not the other way around. Since spoken language is sounds, you have to start with the sounds. It can be easy to get frustrated as it is a process of repeated listening. For that reason, choose something you like.