Controlled natural language facts for kids
Controlled natural languages (CNLs) are special versions of regular natural languages, like English or Spanish. They are made simpler by using fewer words and simpler grammar rules. This helps to make them very clear and easy to understand, reducing confusion.
There are two main reasons why people create CNLs:
- Making things easier to read: Some CNLs are designed to help people understand technical documents better, especially if they are not native speakers of the language. They make sure sentences are short, clear, and use only approved words.
- Helping computers understand: Other CNLs are made so that computers can easily understand and process information. These languages have very strict rules, almost like a computer code. This allows computers to check facts, answer questions, and find information automatically.
For example, companies use the first type of CNLs, like ASD Simplified Technical English, to write instruction manuals or product guides. This makes sure everyone understands the information correctly. Rules for these languages often include: "Keep sentences short," "Don't use pronouns like 'he' or 'she' too much," and "Always use the active voice."
The second type of CNLs are like a bridge between human language and computer language. They can be turned into formal languages that computers understand perfectly. This means computers can check if the information is correct, find mistakes, and even answer questions based on what's written.
Examples of Controlled Languages
Many controlled natural languages have been created for different purposes. Here are some of them:
- ASD Simplified Technical English: Used in aviation and defense for clear technical documents.
- Attempto Controlled English: A language designed for computers to understand complex information.
- Aviation English: A standard language used by pilots and air traffic controllers worldwide.
- Basic English: A simplified version of English with a small vocabulary.
- ClearTalk: A language designed for clear communication.
- Common Logic Controlled English: Helps computers understand logical statements.
- Distributed Language Translation Esperanto: A version of Esperanto for translation systems.
- E-Prime: A way of speaking or writing that avoids the verb "to be."
- Français fondamental: A basic version of French.
- Gellish Formal English: Used for defining terms and rules in a structured way.
- Interlingua-IL sive Latino sine flexione (Giuseppe Peano): A simplified Latin.
- ModeLang: A language for modeling systems.
- Newspeak (fictional): A language from the book Nineteen Eighty-Four designed to limit thought.
- Processable English (PENG): A language computers can process.
- Seaspeak: A standard language for communication at sea.
- Semantics of Business Vocabulary and Business Rules: Helps define business terms clearly.
- Special English: A simplified English used by Voice of America for news broadcasts.
See also
In Spanish: Lengua controlada para niños
- Constructed language: Languages that are intentionally created, like Esperanto.
- Knowledge representation and reasoning: How computers store and use information.
- Natural language processing: How computers understand and work with human language.
- Controlled vocabulary: A list of approved words used in a specific field.
- Controlled language in machine translation: How CNLs help with automatic translation.
- Structured English: A way of writing computer program logic using simple English.
- Word-sense disambiguation: How computers figure out the correct meaning of a word.
- Simple English Wikipedia: A version of Wikipedia written in simpler English.
