Lecture Notes on Anti-Disestablishmentarianism and Monosyllabic Language

Introduction

• Discussion on the complexity of the English language.
• Proposal to create a new language based on English, focusing on monosyllabic words.
• Aim to increase speed of communication by reducing syllables.

Understanding Syllables

• Definition of a Syllable: A unit of pronunciation containing one vowel sound.
• Vowel Sounds: Each syllable has one vowel sound, potentially with surrounding consonants.
• Clapping Method in School: Taught as a way to identify syllables.

The Sorority Sequencing Principle

• Explanation: Different sounds have varying loudness, impacting speech rhythm.
• Triangle Structure:
  • Speech builds loudness to vowels (peaks) and then decreases (valleys) around them.
  • Example: "blimp" follows the pattern: B → L → I (peak) → M → P.

Problems with Current English Structure

• Multi-syllabic words create complexity and disrupt natural rhythm.
• Pop Quiz: Example of a made-up word that violates the sorority sequencing principle.
• Importance of rhythm in speech for poetry and effective communication.

Ground Rules for New Language ("Glish")

1. All words should be monosyllabic.
2. Follow the sorority sequencing principle for pronounceability.
3. Minimize homophones to avoid confusion.
4. Focus on North American English for simplicity.

Challenges in English Spelling

• English spelling often does not correspond directly to pronunciation.
• Using IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): To represent sounds accurately, disregarding traditional spelling.

Steps to Create Monosyllabic Words

1. Gather a List: Compile all English words with their IPA equivalents.
2. Leave Monosyllabic Words Alone: Preserve existing single-syllable words.
3. Sort by Frequency: Assign new monosyllabic versions to frequently used words first.
4. Assign New Words:
   • Plan A: Use existing syllables from the original words if possible.
   • Plan B: Generate new syllables based on sounds while adhering to the sorority sequencing principle.
   • Plan C: Create random syllables and match them with original letters.

Graph-Based Approach

• Directed Graph: A data structure to map sound connections in words.
• Allows for weighted random syllable generation based on real English sounds.

Glish Language and Example

• Creation of "Glish": A simplified version of English with monosyllabic focus.
• Sample Paragraph: Demonstrates how multi-syllabic words transform into new, single-syllable terms.
• Intelligibility Issues: While many words are reduced in syllables, the meanings may not be immediately clear.

Conclusion

• Glish aims to reduce syllables by 30% with a unique mapping for meanings.
• Potential for a translator tool and need for a learning platform (e.g., Duolingo) for Glish.