Re: [cybalist] Linguistic Mathematics?

I couldn't follow you enough to know finally what's your conclussion. But,
in case you're against math models I can tell you that this kind of
discussions arise as soon as we confuse maps with territories, i.e. models
with reality. Linguistics is like that man in gaol: He was not numbers for
sure but numbers did help to put him in other people's mind. Let's see
models as mere aids: do not make this, matter of Santa Inquisici�n.
Manuel

>From: "Glen Gordon" <glengordon01@...>
>Reply-To: cybalist@egroups.com
>To: cybalist@egroups.com
>Subject: [cybalist] Linguistic Mathematics?
>Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 14:23:16 PDT
>
>On a side note, Gerry innocently wrote:
> >I thought Sarmatians were latter day Scythians?
>
>I thought Samaritans were latter day saints, myself. Oh well. Who's to say?
>
>Dennis:
> >Maybe I'm just an old Luddite, but I don't like the
> >idea of reducing language to numbers, or translating machines or >talking
> >computers for that matter.
>
>You're probably a Luddite since I don't see how talking computers are a bad
>thing. Making a computer talk and having a computer replace comparative
>linguists are two different things. Without talking computers, our blessed
>Steven Hawking could have been some anonymous mute in a wheelchair.
>
>What's more, aside from general speculation on what such an algorithm or
>equation would involve, people who try to support the use of these
>linguistic mathematics continue to suspiciously avoid altogether getting
>into detail required to actually solve the problem.
>
>Personally, I would expect to see at least a general equation or algorithm
>laid out for this topic to make any headway. I don't believe that this is
>an
>unreasonable request if comparative linguistics can truely be reduced to
>numbers at all.
>
>And why are we pretending that glottochronology is a useful tool in
>linguistics?? I get trashed for making some specific booboos on IE while
>general booboos (like embracing glottochronology as a real science) go
>unabated. Not to mention that this whole topic barely has to do with IE at
>all despite moderation.
>
>So I'm feeling very confused over here. Whatever, happy belated Easter
>everyone.
>
>Dennis:
> >I can only echo the cry of the Prisoner in the old sixties TV series :
> >"I
> >am a man, not a number".
>
>Wow! I can't believe it. You mean I'm NOT the only one that has seen that
>show? What was with that giant beachball on the ocean, huh?? :)
>
>- gLeN
>
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