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Tung Masters Institute: Linguistics in Outer Space

Tung Masters Institute: Linguistics in Outer Space. Elizabeth Pyatt. History of Linguistics. Began in 19 th century European scholars exposed to new languages Not all languages like Latin and Greek Colonial governments interested in communicating with local population More or less…

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Tung Masters Institute: Linguistics in Outer Space

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  1. Tung Masters Institute:Linguistics in Outer Space Elizabeth Pyatt

  2. History of Linguistics • Began in 19th century • European scholars exposed to new languages • Not all languages like Latin and Greek • Colonial governments interested in communicating with local population • More or less… • Important for U.S. corporations/D.O.D.

  3. Puzzles Galore • Linguistic skills include • Deciphering writing systems • Describe proper prounciation • Word placement rules • Word formation patterns • And guessing what will happen to European loan words • Which languages are related?

  4. A Little Bit of Culture • Sociolinguistic Issues • Proper etiquette • Including the correct verb form & correct gestures • Interacting with all informants • Can women talk to a male lieutenant? • Determine different social levels • What does that mean when working with local cultures?

  5. 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?

  6. Linguistics in Outer Space! • Your chance to do field work in outer space!

  7. Inspired by Econ 201 in Space • Developed at UNC Greensboro

  8. Scenario • Planet 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

  9. Tung Masters Institute (TMI) • Advanced specialists in linguistic analysis • They are the gurus of linguistic documentation • And they teach Terran Language courses for profit • Works with Terran Alliance • But ensures equitable treatment for non-Terran Alliance populations

  10. Terran Alliance Mission • Phase 1B Contact • Initial contact already made • Negotiate • Trade contracts • Port of call • Open embassy

  11. TMI Mission • Begin teaching Terran to one local group • Learn grammar of other groups based on fieldwork • Determine linguistic and cultural relationships

  12. Levels for Student Players • Level 0 (Student Initiatiate) • Initial lessons within Tung Masters • Basics 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

  13. TMI Mentors • Exbar (Syntax) • Master of x̄-Theory • Fóním (Phonology) • Mistress of phonemes • SodahPahp (Dialectology) • DondestáLasala (Teaching Terran)

  14. Advancing Through Game • Level 2 (Word Order/Formation) • Analyze local languages further • Use human languages as example • More contacts in friendly culture • Level 3 (Sound Structure) • Determine pronunciation of additional languages • Use local contacts as translator

  15. Adding More Cultures • Level 4 (Sociolinguistics/Grammar) • Complete analysis of additional languages • Initiate contact • Read briefings from first culture • Are they 100% accurate?? • Can you progress enough to establish liaison?

  16. Final Mystery • Level 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

  17. Potential Advantages • Students could relate skills to real issues • Add fieldwork component • Without airfare • And introduce ethical component without getting on a soapbox • Linguists get chance to make awful puns

  18. Challenges • Develop narrative • How long? • This could span several semesters • Where will graphics/animation come from?

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