Learning Language Categories

In this blog post I will advocate to learn new language categories instead of new languages.

Every once in a while you find a post on a forum addressing the question which new language should one learn. Notable examples can be found by googling. Here is a sample:

• What programming language should I learn?
• 10 Programming Languages You Should Learn Right Now
• What programming language should I learn?

In my opinion, growing as a developer is not about specific languages. If this was the case then why does nobody suggest C# if one knows Java or vice versa? Seldom is such an advice given. But if it is all about learning languages then this advice should surface as often as any other advice.

I think that language categories are more important then languages. One reason to learn a new language is to broaden your horizon. By seeing new solution to old problems your problem solving toolbox grows. Even if it is not possible to apply the language directly it often is possible to adopt the idea. By going beyond a language category barrier, the novelty and creativity with which problems can be solved grow enormously.

So the next time the question "Which language should I learn next" is asked, go ahead and advice to learn a new language category.

Sexism in Language

In this blog I will point out a an examples of sexism in language.

As I pointed out in an earlier post I adapted my wife's name after we married. Although this is legally possible since the year 1998, not everybody adapted accordingly.

There are a lot of forms in which you have to fill out your name. It is often the case that the name should be the same name as found in your passport i.e. your birth name. But the forms ask to fill in your maiden name. Well the last time I checked, I never was a maiden. Furthermore, I have no intention of ever becoming one. So I regard this as a strange question.

The origins of the use of this language are clear to me. A long time ago only women could take on an other name. So if someone wanted to know your birth name she could reason as follows:

1. Males can be asked for their name, regardless of their marital status.
2. Females can be asked for their name, unless they are married. Then they should be asked for their maiden name.

But since the 1998 this rule does not apply any more. And if you want to know my birth name ask for it. It is been twelve years, everybody had enough time change their forms. I regard this as a very sexist use of language.