Keynote: Language Games - Eli Holderness - NDC Porto 2023

Eli Holderness

Discover the importance of language games, coding communication, and effective human interaction in this keynote talk on understanding the complexities of language and thought.

Key takeaways
  • Language is a game with rules, and breaking those rules can be necessary for effective communication.
  • The relationship between language and thought is not straightforward, and it’s possible to communicate abstract concepts using different words.
  • Humans are inherently imperfect, and our language is influenced by context, culture, and individual perspectives.
  • When communicating with humans, it’s essential to consider the rules of the language game, including the maxim of truth, relevance, and clarity.
  • Code reviews and commenting code are essential for ensuring that the ideas in your head are aligned with the code you write.
  • Effective communication involves understanding the context, including the assumptions and perspectives of the stakeholders and the people you’re working with.
  • Humans are not computers, and our language is not as precise as machine code. Therefore, it’s crucial to focus on readability and simplicity in our communication.
  • Communicating with humans involves understanding the subtleties of language, including nuance, idioms, and figurative language.
  • When communicating with computers, it’s essential to consider the rules of the language game, including the syntax and semantics of the programming language.
  • The relationship between language and thought is complex, and it’s possible to miscommunicate or misunderstand each other.
  • Humans are capable of learning and adapting, and our language can evolve over time to accommodate new ideas and perspectives.
  • Effective communication involves active listening, empathy, and understanding the perspective of the other person.
  • The concepts of language games, parole, and signifiers are essential for understanding how humans communicate.
  • The maxim of relevance is critical for effective communication, as it helps to ensure that the message is clear and relevant to the audience.
  • The maxim of truth is also essential, as it helps to ensure that the message is accurate and truthful.
  • The maxim of clarity is crucial for effective communication, as it helps to ensure that the message is clear and easy to understand.
  • The concept of pragmatics is essential for understanding how humans communicate, as it involves considering the context, audience, and purpose of the message.