Elizabeth Pyatt Tung Masters Institute: Linguistics in Outer Space.
-
Upload
sybil-lynne-scott -
Category
Documents
-
view
212 -
download
0
Transcript of Elizabeth Pyatt Tung Masters Institute: Linguistics in Outer Space.
Elizabeth Pyatt
Tung Masters Institute:Linguistics in Outer Space
History of LinguisticsBegan in 19th century
European scholars exposed to new languagesNot all languages like Latin and Greek
Colonial governments interested in communicating with local populationMore or less…
Important for U.S. corporations/D.O.D.
Puzzles GaloreLinguistic skills include
Deciphering writing systems
Describe proper prounciation
Word placement rules
Word formation patternsAnd guessing what will happen to European loan
words
Which languages are related?
A Little Bit of CultureSociolinguistic Issues
Proper etiquetteIncluding the correct verb form & correct gestures
Interacting with all informantsCan women talk to a male lieutenant?
Determine different social levelsWhat does that mean when working with local
cultures?
Why Games?Can gamification turn a homework
“problem set” “fun puzzle!”
Can a game narrative allow students explore field work skills?
Can we attract more majors?
Linguistics in Outer Space!
Your chance to do field work in outer space!
Inspired by Econ 201 in Space
Developed at UNC Greensboro
ScenarioPlanet with less space tech than
“Terran Alliance”Multiple languages/cultures
Humanoid, but not Terran It’s a mystery
Some cultures open to contact, others more hesitant
Tung Masters Institute (TMI)Advanced specialists in linguistic
analysisThey are the gurus of linguistic
documentationAnd they teach Terran Language courses for
profit
Works with Terran Alliance
But ensures equitable treatment for non-Terran Alliance populations
Terran Alliance MissionPhase 1B Contact
Initial contact already made
Negotiate Trade contracts
Port of call
Open embassy
TMI MissionBegin teaching Terran to one local
group
Learn grammar of other groups based on fieldwork
Determine linguistic and cultural relationships
Levels for Student PlayersLevel 0 (Student Initiatiate)
Initial lessons within Tung MastersBasics and fieldwork ethics
Need to solve puzzles to unlock levels
Level 1 (English instruction)Mission: Explain English grammar
Reflect on what we know “intuitively”
Contact with sympathetic local students
TMI MentorsExbar (Syntax)
Master of xE-Theory
Fóním (Phonology)Mistress of phonemes
Sodah Pahp (Dialectology)
Dondestá Lasala (Teaching Terran)
Advancing Through GameLevel 2 (Word Order/Formation)
Analyze local languages further
Use human languages as exampleMore contacts in friendly culture
Level 3 (Sound Structure)Determine pronunciation of
additional languagesUse local contacts as translator
Adding More CulturesLevel 4 (Sociolinguistics/Grammar)
Complete analysis of additional languages
Initiate contactRead briefings from first culture
Are they 100% accurate??
Can you progress enough to establish liaison?
Final MysteryLevel 5 (Determine Relationships)
Locals give access to oldest sagas
Find relationships
Is there a linguistic connection with Terrans?Maybe only a TMI expert would know
Potential AdvantagesStudents could relate skills to real
issues
Add fieldwork componentWithout airfare
And introduce ethical component without getting on a soapbox
Linguists get chance to make awful puns
ChallengesDevelop narrative
How long?This could span several semesters
Where will graphics/animation come from?