Some thoughts on computer language.
Sometimes it is hard to make ourselves understood in our own language, let alone in another and when the technology of one language coins new words for specific things it can be very confusing.
Back when computers were beginning to be used on a wide scale. America was the leader in computers and computer software. The French, who have long been sensitive in keeping the purity of their language, tried to figure out a literal translation for the computer term "Data Processing". What the French came up with was "informatique".
"Tique" is now added to a number of French computer terms. Telecomunications are "telematique". Automated office equipment is "bureautique" and nearly any new computer linked process the french call " novotique".
The French mentality invents words rather than products. Americans invent products, but prefer to talk in initials.
FYI, CU tomorrow.
1 comment:
Interesting. I tried to register Informatique as a business name here in Ireland in 1979 but the application was refused but "infomatique" was suggested as an alternative. I now own the infomatique.com/eu/org domains.
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