Controlled language

Controlled natural languages (CNLs) are artificial languages built by simplifying the grammar and reducing the number of words in the language to avoid ambiguity or complexity.

There are two types of controlled languages: some designed to help non-native speakers of a language, and some designed to enable automatic semantic analysis.

The first type of languages are often called "simplified" or "technical" languages. They are used by businesses or industries to improve the quality of technical writing. The standard terms simplify the semi-automatic translation to other languages. Examples are: the ASD Sim Technical English, Caterpillar Technical English, and IBM's Easy English.

Simplified (or technical) languages guide the writer by general rules such as "write short and simple sentences", "use the person's name ("John Smith" for example) instead of saying "him", and "talk about who is doing something, rather than what is being done, unless you need to say what is being done".

The second type of languages have well defined rules for writing and understanding. These rules can be matched to formal languages, such as first-order logic. The languages can be analysed by computer. They can be checked to see they are correct. They can be searched for information easily.

Languages
Existing controlled natural languages include:

 Globish
 Attempto Controlled English
 Basic English
 ClearTalk
 Common Logic Controlled English
 E-Prime
 Gellish Formal English
 ModeLang
 Newspeak
 Plain English
 Processable English (PENG)
 Semantics of Business Vocabulary and Business Rules
 Special English

Related pages
 Constructed language
 Knowledge representation
 Natural language processing

References

Other websites
 Controlled Natural Languages (Macquarie University)
 Overview of Controlled English and HyperSTE, customizable Controlled English checker 
 Simplus – Simplified English Checker
 Freelance Translation
 acrolinx® Information Quality Suite  – Customizable controlled language checker for many authoring environments
 PERMIS Policy Editor  uses controlled English in its user interface
 Akis, Jennifer Wells, and William R. Sisson. (2002) Improving Translatability: A Case Study at Sun Microsystems, Inc. Globalization Insider (Localization Industry Standards Association's e-magazine).
 Kohl, John R. (2008) Language Quality-Assurance Software: Optimizing Your Documentation for a Global Audience.Intercom 55.5 (May), pp. 6–9.
 Kohl, John R. (2007) Assisted Writing and Editing at SAS. ClientSideNews Magazine 7.8 (August): 7-10.

Category:Constructed languages