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.
Esperanto is one of the most famous artificial languages.
A slightly shorter synonym for 人工言語, often used in the same contexts.
He created a new artificial language.
The speaker is referring to a language used to write computer programs, such as Python or C++.
The speaker is discussing a precisely defined language used in formal systems, such as first-order logic or formal grammars.
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.
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.
In logic, artificial languages are used to express propositions.