Date: Mar 06, 2019 3:00pm-4:30pm

Location: Dunton Tower: Room 2203

Speaker: Jay Jennings

Title: Programming as a Second Language

Abstract:

Computer programming has become a highly valued and sought after skill, and understanding how the brain processes and learns an inherently artificial programming language has pedagogical implications for designing instruction in computer science courses, and also theoretical implications for linguistics and cognitive science. Neural evidence has shown when experienced programmers are asked to read and comprehend code, the areas of the brain involved in division of attention, working memory, and problem solving were unsurprisingly activated. However, there is also strong activation in language processing areas. Furthermore, as people gain more expertise in a programming language, the disparate neural areas converge on the language specific areas, mimicking a pattern of natural second language learning in adults.

The talk will outline an ongoing study that is investigating cross-language transfer effects between a person’s native language and a programming language. Cross language transfer effects are when one language interferes with another. These effects are usually seen when the native language interferes with the second language, but the second language can influence the native language as well. An experiment will be outlined that will investigate whether programming languages are actually treated as second languages in the brain by attempting to elicit cross-language transfer effects between a programming language and a natural language.