Transcript Linguistic Olympics

Linguistics Challenge
2006
What is the “Linguistics Challenge?”
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Originally “Linguistic Olympics”
Problem-solving activity
Students solve linguistic problems (or
“puzzles”) in languages they have never
learned.
How is the Linguistics Challenge
implemented?
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University-based academic competition for
secondary students.
Interactive web-based resource for
secondary students and teachers.
International academic competition.
Future?
History of the “Linguistic Olympics”
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Started in Moscow, Russia, in 1965.
Expanded to St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1995.
Implemented as a university-based academic
competition in Eugene, Oregon, in 1999,
2000 and 2001.
International Competitions in 2003
(Borovetz, Bulgaria), 2004 (Moscow,
Russia), and 2005 (Leiden, Netherlands).
Currently web-based only in USA.
What are these “puzzles” like?
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Real languages -- no simplification or madeup data.
Languages treated with respect – not
curiosities.
Demographic and geographic information
given
Self-sufficient
No typos!
What are the best puzzles like?
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Illustrate some cross-cultural fact
Logic involving two or more stages – not
simple analogy.
What does “two-stage logic” mean?
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Compare to simple analogy: Kurmanji
Kurdish problem
Two stage logic: Hawaiian
What types of puzzles are there?
Three types (more or less):
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Analyze and translate
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Match translations
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Writing systems
Sample #3: Writing Systems
There are basically three types of writing systems:
 Alphabets
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Syllabaries
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Logographic systems
In an Alphabet . . .
each character represents a consonant . . .
b d g p t k v s z j m n l r,
or a vowel . . .
a e i o u,
etc.
etc.
“Alpha” is the first letter of the Greek alphabet:
and “Beta” is the second:
Alphabet
In a Syllabary . . .
each character represents a syllable . . .
ba de gi po tu ka ve si lo yu , etc.
Many languages, like Russian, use a
combination of a syllabary and an alphabet.
For example:
. . . is pronounced “ya” in Russian.
. . . is pronounced “ye” in Russian.
In a Logographic System . . .
each character represents a whole word . . .
dog cat girl parsimonious ,
etc.
Many languages use logographic systems.
For example, in the system used for
Mandarin and many other languages . . .
. . . means “mouth.”
and
. . . means “person.”
Did you know that the English system is
also partly logographic?
Think about it.
How do you pronounce these words?
“two”
“seven”
“heart,” or “love”
Logographic systems are very useful. Since they
represent concepts rather than sounds they can allow
people who speak different languages to communicate.
So if I am visiting a country where I do not speak the
language, I can write numbers to express my thoughts.
Sample #3: Writing Systems
Luvian
In the early 20th century, archeologists had
collected a large quantity of inscriptions in an
unknown ancient language. Unfortunately,
these writings were totally incomprehensible
until one scholar discovered the key. Many of
the words in the inscriptions were names of
regions, cities or kings. This key allowed the
scholars to unlock the secrets of the Luvian
empire.
Some of the important names were the following:
Regions: Khamatu, Palaa. Cities: Kurkuma, Tuvarnava.
Kings: Varpalava, Tarkumuva.
The following are the inscriptions that correspond to
these names. Your job is to match each inscription
with the name that it represents. The process you use
to solve this puzzle is very similar to what
archeological linguists actually do when they discover
writings and inscriptions in unknown languages:
Now, the next step is to use what you have just
learned to determine what the Luvian inscription
would probably be for each of the following names:
The king Parta:
The region Tuva:
The king Armura:
The region Narva:
The region Tarmu:
Assumptions
All puzzles represent real languages.
 There is only one correct solution.
 All puzzles are solvable on their own.
 No outside knowledge is necessary.
 The introduction is important.
 You can earn points on a puzzle, even if you
don’t finish it. So write something!
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Expectations
No collaboration (sorry).
 You may leave at any time.
 You probably won’t finish all the puzzles.
 When you hear the music, please stop work.
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Prizes
Gold, Silver and Bronze
medals will be awarded in two
categories. The winners will
be announced and prizes
awarded in the EMU
Ballroom this afternoon or at
your school.
Are you ready to begin?
You are the brave, the bold the fearless. When
you see the flame, you may open your puzzle
booklet. When you hear the music again, it will
be time to stop.
Good Luck!
Linguistic Challenge
2000