XS gadri proposal: And's version

obin's essay contains a proposal that the BPFK should be guided by principles on what the purpose of the Lojban language is.

Ideally, we should have a document that is precise and unambiguous, and that everyone finds, if not perfect, then at least acceptable.

On this page, we outline a process for compiling such a document.

1. Summarizing earlier statements of purpose, and arguments thereof

• oglan 1: A Logical Language
• he Complete Lojban Language

• hat Is Lojban?
• Mailing list discussions

• • Elephant metaphor (Summary: Lojban is different to everyone, and thus has no single, unified goal)

2. Writing up descriptions of contemporary goals

To the extent that they have not already been clearly described.

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Goals

NB hierarchical, but (as yet) unranked

• Usable by humans LL
  • Simple to learn LL

• Computer-tractable LL 1
• Based on predicate logic LL 1

• Enable unambiguous expressions
  • Have an unambiguous grammar LL

• • Audiovisual isomorphism
    • Phonetic spelling LL

• • Self-segregation (that a valid speech stream can only be segmented into words in one way) LL
• No exceptions to the rules LL

• Remove restrictions on creative and clear thought and communication LL
• Be suitable for testing the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis .1

• “Metaphysical parsimony”, have as few obligatory categories as possible 1
• Be suitable as an IAL 1

• Be interesting and mentally stimulating 1
• Cultural neutrality LL