Writing strikes me as providing different fundamental skills. Here's the rub: computer languages are entirely prescriptive-- behavior is defined by the compiler. Natural languages are defined entirely by usage and here the descriptivists rule. Even in hyper-defined jargons like legalese, interpretation matters and there is no single, objective reference point.
I believe everyone should learn to code trivial programs. I also think there is great value in truly mastering one's own language (and I say this as one who can fluently read Middle English and who can parse my way through Old English given some time). But they are different skills. You can't get them all from one or the other.
If you want to compare writing to programming, then you should consider comparing it to writing portable software in a language where every reader has coded his/her own compilers based on their own unique understandings of the standards! But writing isn't the same as coding.....
Comments
Writing strikes me as providing different fundamental skills. Here's the rub: computer languages are entirely prescriptive-- behavior is defined by the compiler. Natural languages are defined entirely by usage and here the descriptivists rule. Even in hyper-defined jargons like legalese, interpretation matters and there is no single, objective reference point.
I believe everyone should learn to code trivial programs. I also think there is great value in truly mastering one's own language (and I say this as one who can fluently read Middle English and who can parse my way through Old English given some time). But they are different skills. You can't get them all from one or the other.
If you want to compare writing to programming, then you should consider comparing it to writing portable software in a language where every reader has coded his/her own compilers based on their own unique understandings of the standards! But writing isn't the same as coding.....