The way I know the context: after WWII, it was clear for policy makers in the USA, that internationalization and (seeing the success of) science (as mentioned a

The way I know the context: after WWII, it was clear for policy makers in the USA, that internationalization and (seeing the success of) science (as mentioned above) were key to global dominance relying on technology. There was a slight hope for the automatic translation of documents [i.e. scientific papers] from one language to another, and funding was abundant with the '56 landmark paper. The original goal then was not reached, but as with all good research, the by-products were of great value. Speaking of statistical techniques, not unlike GOOG's case today, with the UN documents used to train translate.google.com -- somewhat achieving the "original" dream, having gone full circle. I would therefore discount the later UNESCO report from Backus as independent work, it is rather the incarnation of the results of the zeitgeist [1]. About the influence of Pāṇini it is true. Thanks for drawing my attention to it: I've learnt something[1]. But I am inclined to think, that the pieces of today's compilers fell to place as a byproduct of his work at MIT (right time, right place). [1] "Speaking of linguistic law in general is like trying to pin down a ghost" -- Ferdinand de Saussure [2] http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1825/18250150.htm http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1825/18250150.htm When asked what suggestions he would give to individuals who are trying to raise questions and challenge conventional doctrines, Chomsky said: "It's the same advice you'd give to a young scientist. Be honest, be thoughtful, be creative."