Translation guide
This entry covers how to express the concept of an artificially constructed language in Japanese, distinguishing between general artificial languages, computer programming languages, and formal languages in logic/linguistics.
The speaker wants to refer to a language deliberately created for human communication, rather than one that evolved naturally.
The standard term for any artificially constructed language intended for human use, such as Esperanto or fictional languages.
エスペラントは最も有名な人工言語の一つです。
Esperanto is one of the most famous artificial languages.
A slightly shorter synonym for 人工言語, often used in the same contexts.
彼は新しい人工語を作り出した。
He created a new artificial language.
The speaker is referring to a language used to write computer programs, such as Python or C++.
The most common term for a programming language. Often shortened to プログラミング言語 or just 言語 in technical contexts.
Pythonは初心者に優しいプログラミング言語です。
Python is a beginner-friendly programming language.
The speaker is discussing a precisely defined language used in formal systems, such as first-order logic or formal grammars.
The standard term in logic, linguistics, and computer science for a formal language with strict syntactic rules.
形式言語理論はコンピューターサイエンスの基礎です。
Formal language theory is a foundation of computer science.
人工言語 is the broadest term, covering any language that is artificially constructed. 形式言語 specifically refers to formal languages in logic and theoretical computer science. プログラミング言語 is the everyday term for programming languages. Use 人工言語 when the distinction from natural languages is important, but choose the more specific term when the context is clear.
The English word 'artificial' can imply something fake or inferior, but 人工言語 is a neutral technical term. Do not use it to criticize a language as unnatural or contrived unless that is the intended meaning.
In computer science contexts, 人工言語 can also refer to programming languages, though プログラミング言語 is more specific.
コンピューターは人工言語で命令を受け取る。
Computers receive instructions in artificial languages.
In academic contexts, 人工言語 can encompass formal languages, but 形式言語 is more precise.
論理学では人工言語を用いて命題を表現する。
In logic, artificial languages are used to express propositions.