Tuesday, October 5, 2010

English and Computer Science: Same Words, Different Languages

A former roommate and I once did a quick comparison about how each of our respective fields (computer science and English lit.) used similar vocabulary but with completely different definitions. For example:

Deconstruct:
-In English, to identify the unstated implicit assumptions underlying every textual statement.
-In Computer Science, to carefully take apart a machine piece by piece.

Binary
-In English, to artificially construct two sides as being inherently opposed to each other, with one side being privileged over the other by virtue of said construction.
-In Computer Science, the series of open and closed circuits by which computer language and software interface is constructed.

Explode:
-In English, to invalidate a previously accepted assumption that has far-reaching implications.
-In Computer Science, to lose the machine itself in a burst of flames.

Language
-In English, style, content, and meaning.
-In Computer Science, the code by which the engineer interacts with the software.

Same goes for Grammar, Syntax, and Text.

Unpack
-In English, to explore every possibility of meaning in a statement.
-In Computer Science, to remove things out of a box.

Registers
-In English, to acknowledge the co-presence of multiple possibilities of meaning at once.
-In Computer Science, for a program to function at multiple levels and/or to register a new product on-line.

To Create a Space
-In English, to formulate an argument in such a manner as to allow for new avenues of discussion.
-In Computer Science, presumably to move some boxes and/or furniture around to make room for a new device.

Piracy
-English: A Robert Louis Stevenson novel!
-Computer Science: Free music/movies/software!

Deus ex Machina
-In English, a lazy plot resolution maneuver.
-In Computer Science, worship of the machines that will one day take us over (just kidding).

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