Elizabeth Pyatt

Tung Masters Institute:Linguistics in Outer Space

History of LinguisticsBegan in 19th century

European scholars exposed to new languagesNot all languages like Latin and Greek

Colonial governments interested in communicating with local populationMore or less…

Important for U.S. corporations/D.O.D.

Puzzles GaloreLinguistic skills include

Deciphering writing systems

Describe proper prounciation

Word placement rules

Word formation patternsAnd guessing what will happen to European loan

words

Which languages are related?

A Little Bit of CultureSociolinguistic Issues

Proper etiquetteIncluding the correct verb form & correct gestures

Interacting with all informantsCan women talk to a male lieutenant?

Determine different social levelsWhat does that mean when working with local

cultures?

Why Games?Can gamification turn a homework

“problem set” “fun puzzle!”

Can a game narrative allow students explore field work skills?

Can we attract more majors?

Linguistics in Outer Space!

Your chance to do field work in outer space!

Inspired by Econ 201 in Space

Developed at UNC Greensboro

ScenarioPlanet with less space tech than

“Terran Alliance”Multiple languages/cultures

Humanoid, but not Terran It’s a mystery

Some cultures open to contact, others more hesitant

Tung Masters Institute (TMI)Advanced specialists in linguistic

analysisThey are the gurus of linguistic

documentationAnd they teach Terran Language courses for

profit

Works with Terran Alliance

But ensures equitable treatment for non-Terran Alliance populations

Terran Alliance MissionPhase 1B Contact

Initial contact already made

Negotiate Trade contracts

Port of call

Open embassy

TMI MissionBegin teaching Terran to one local

group

Learn grammar of other groups based on fieldwork

Determine linguistic and cultural relationships

Levels for Student PlayersLevel 0 (Student Initiatiate)

Initial lessons within Tung MastersBasics and fieldwork ethics

Need to solve puzzles to unlock levels

Level 1 (English instruction)Mission: Explain English grammar

Reflect on what we know “intuitively”

Contact with sympathetic local students

TMI MentorsExbar (Syntax)

Master of xE-Theory

Fóním (Phonology)Mistress of phonemes

Sodah Pahp (Dialectology)

Dondestá Lasala (Teaching Terran)

Advancing Through GameLevel 2 (Word Order/Formation)

Analyze local languages further

Use human languages as exampleMore contacts in friendly culture

Level 3 (Sound Structure)Determine pronunciation of

additional languagesUse local contacts as translator

Adding More CulturesLevel 4 (Sociolinguistics/Grammar)

Complete analysis of additional languages

Initiate contactRead briefings from first culture

Are they 100% accurate??

Can you progress enough to establish liaison?

Final MysteryLevel 5 (Determine Relationships)

Locals give access to oldest sagas

Find relationships

Is there a linguistic connection with Terrans?Maybe only a TMI expert would know

Potential AdvantagesStudents could relate skills to real

issues

Add fieldwork componentWithout airfare

And introduce ethical component without getting on a soapbox

Linguists get chance to make awful puns

ChallengesDevelop narrative

How long?This could span several semesters

Where will graphics/animation come from?