Overcoming the language barrier: The potential of the visual language LoCoS in international human-computer communication

Abstract

The present paper investigates whether the artificial language LoCoS is suited for application in international Human-Computer Communication, in comparison to natural and extended-natural foreign language. In the present study, LoCoS was examined with regard to criteria of effectiveness, encoding, efficiency, acceptance, learnability and functionality in contrast to English or English in combination with emoticons. The random sample yielded 47 persons from 19 different countries totally. A tentative acceptance of LoCoS as a symbolic language was observed, although the effort required to learn it was rated notably lower than that required to learn a foreign language. Communication occurred more efficiently because fewer LoCoS symbols than words were used. A general trend towards the use of extended natural languages could be detected, indicating that symbols are not exclusively accepted (yet), but are increasingly used in combination with a natural language. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.