One could argue that some aspects of technobabble hold the potential to form a universal language of technology – a sort of “High-Tech Esperanto” that might actually succeed.
Predictor: Barry, John
Prediction, in context:“Technobabble” author John Barry wonders if the technology vocabulary could transcend language barriers to become something widely known: ”One could argue that some aspects of technobabble hold the potential to form a universal language of technology – a sort of ‘High-Tech Esperanto’ that might actually succeed.”
Biography:John Barry was the author of the book “Technobabble” (MIT, 1991). He began working in the computer field in the late 1970s. While at InfoWorld magazine in the early 1980s, he started a column called “Computer Illiteracy,” in which he first explored the characteristics and consequences of technobabble, or techspeak. Later, at Sun Microsystems, he continued writing on the subject. (Author, Editor, Journalist.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1991
Topic of prediction: Community/Culture
Subtopic: General
Name of publication: Technobabble
Title, headline, chapter name: Now-Then
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 176
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Bizzell, Natalie