To enlarge on your (really good) point.. We also have the capacity in english to substantially reduce the overhead of thought density. We do this by using symb

To enlarge on your (really good) point.. We also have the capacity in english to substantially reduce the overhead of thought density. We do this by using symbols or signifiers (words or phrases) which refer to oft repeated concepts, allowing us to build more complex meanings without having to consciously process every part. This idea of density of thought can be expressed more specifically as both uniqueness and complexity of thought. Conceptually, programming is communication, and all communication is essentially semantic. Though not being a programmer, I reckon the broader conceptual difficulties with programming are in the need for context, and with the necessity for specificity. Which, by the way, english is not that brilliant at either (just more flexible). It is instructive in the context of this discussion to remember that semantics rely as much on the experience and understanding of the listener, as on the speaker / writer.