Universal languages

Steve and I were talking today about how cool it would be if there were a written language that everyone could understand. All the words would correspond to words in each of the world's languages. Any two people could communicate through writing, even if they could not understand each other through speaking.

Our universal language right now is Uno. We've seen the game conducted in at least four languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Indonesian. Yet given a basic understanding of the rules, anyone can play regardless of which languages they speak. In the room, there have been Uno players who don't speak more than a few words of English, and players who speak only English. They would have little trouble enjoying a game together around the coffee table.

The latest hit in the room has been chess. A surprising number of students have taken to the game. They are not the usual suspects either. Even more interestingly, students who may not talk or even encounter each other otherwise are sitting together at the chess board, often in silence and full concentration.

One more thing these students have in common: we have trouble getting them to go to class when the bell rings.