Begriffsschrift and Interlingua compared

Interlingua, released in 1951 by Alexander Gode and the International Auxiliary Language Association (IALA), is a language meant for communication across linguistic barriers and for the rapid learning of more traditional languages. The begriffsschrift, detailed by Gottlob Frege in 1879, is a language-like system of notations meant as an aid to human thought, and especially as a reliable way to test propositions. Today, Interlingua is among the most widely spoken international auxiliary languages. The begriffsschrift did not survive, but it has had a major influence on modern logic and is a historically important precursor of modern auxiliary languages.

Both Frege and Gode argued that thought was dependent on language, while Gode also contended that language—especially international language—grew through the spread of science and technology. Thus, Frege's philosophy was essentially psychological, while Gode's theory was sociocultural. The most fundamental difference between the two systems, however, is that the begriffsschrift was constructed to perform certain functions and possess a certain nature. By contrast, the functions and nature of Interlingua are inherent within existing languages and had only to be drawn out. Gode saw himself and IALA as discoverers, not inventors.

Finally, the Begriffsschrift was meant in part to correct a perceived limitation of language: that it was poorly suited to serve fields such as science and mathematics, which required that ideas be tested and proved. Gode's view of the relationship between science and language made no room for such a limitation. Gode observed that the most international words of all were those used by scientists. Many technical terms were found in virtually every language family. He argued, therefore, that science had carried a partial language with it to all parts of the world. This partial language would be a core around which a full international language, including even the most mundane words and expressions, would be elaborated.

This fundamental language within the languages would serve not only science and technology, but a gamut of other activities. Granted, it would begin as a language of communication among scientists, but soon, it would spread to educational institutions as, among other things, a tool for learning traditional languages quickly and easily. Next, it would become a pivot language for international machine translation. A wide range of other activities would follow. Thus, language was capable of great achievements, once the superficial barriers that separated one language from another were stripped away.

Frege too believed that great things could happen, but only when a new system replaced what was generally known as language. Thought depended on language, and language was flawed. Therefore, a very different system should be used.

Summary

The begriffsschrift was seen as a replacement for language, and Interlingua, as the core of language. Frege argued that thought depended on language, but that language was poorly suited for fields such as science and mathematics. A different system should be used instead. Gode also contended that thought depended on language, but he believed language could serve science and many other human activities on an international scale. Its superficialities had only to be peeled away, revealing a language within.

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