Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
We focus here on the most important aspects of human-computer communi-
cation. First, we provide a very brief overview of language. After discussing how
to organize information, we then address the topic of reading—one of the most
common tasks for users—before discussing menu scanning, which is really a
stylized form of reading. We next consider information searching, which can also
be regarded as a type of communication. Information searching can also be seen as
a high level type of problem solving, because it is normally highly dependent on
language; this is why we have included it in this chapter. Finally, we consider how
content is organized in a more general way.
7.2 Language
There is some debate over what constitutes language. Some people argue that
animals use language to communicate. Others, however, argue that humans are the
only species that have language. What makes human language unique is that
speakers can generate an infinite set of utterances from a finite set of language
elements. Language allows us to refer to other objects symbolically, and to
communicate concrete and abstract ideas.
There are many sciences that study language, including psychology, linguistics,
communication science, and computer science. We focus here on some of the results
that are most directly related to providing and supporting human-computer com-
munication. These results provide direct suggestions for how to construct interfaces,
and will help ground further learning about language. First we introduce some basic
concepts before describing Grice's maxims, which provide a way to view language.
7.2.1 Symbols, Syntax, and Semantics
Three high-level language concepts that are particularly useful are symbolism,
syntax, and semantics. A symbol is a token or object that can be used to represent
another object, token, or relationship. Words are symbolic in that they represent
other things. Language uses symbols, as do nearly all interfaces. Keyboards use
characters, dialogue boxes and menus use words. The Theremin, shown sche-
matically in Fig. 7.1 , is an early example of an electronic musical instrument. It is
a relatively rare example of a system that does not use symbols because it plays
continuous notes with continuous volume. 1 To generate notes the Theremin senses
the positions of the user's hands and uses that information to create sounds. Mouse
movements might also not involve symbols, but their clicks generate symbols.
1 If you want to know what one sounds like, listen to ''Good Vibrations'' by the Beach Boys.
You might also recognize its sound in sci-fi movies.
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