If I were going to reform math simply adopting the metric system across the board is a fairly obvious first step. It could be improved by using metric time, gigasecond, megasecond, etc. An even better option would be a metric system that's base 60 instead of base 10. Example here. And that's about all I've got for math. But when it comes to language reform, it's not so cut and dry.
Generally speaking, I think English is an okay choice, mostly because of its current popularity
List of languages by total number of speakers
and that it's at least somewhat phonetic and not character based. There are many improvements that could be leveraged.
Ideal phonemic orthography - First off, ditch the weird spelling, the spelling of a word should unambiguously and transparently indicate its pronunciation. English phonology - To do this just scrap the 26 letter alphabet and use the 44 english phonemes instead.
Featural writing system - The shapes of the symbols (such as letters) are not arbitrary but encode phonological features of the phonemes that they represent.
Phonetic transcription - The visual representation of speech sounds (or phones) by means of symbols.
Visible Speech - Is a system of phonetic symbols to represent the position of the speech organs in articulating sounds. Not certain if this is the system to use but it's along the lines of the right idea.
Braille - It'd be nice if the symbols were easily understood by both the sighted and the blind.
Maybe stick with a controlled version of English for most applications to foster ease of use and universal understanding.
Learning English - Learning English (previously known as Special English) is a controlled version of the English language, read one-third slower than regular English. Avoids idioms and uses a core vocabulary of about 1500 words, plus any terms needed for explanation. The intended audience is intermediate to advanced learners of English. Aimed for adult beginning level learners.
Wikipedia:VOA Special English Word Book - "VOA Special English" and "Voice of America" created this 1580 word list. Also listed are the 6 simplest parts of speech, the 8 most well known bodily organs, 32 science terms, 3 common expressions, and 5 word prefixes.
Language reform - Lastly, quit with the weirdness. Past tense of ran is run. That's dumb. Just change all past tense to use the ed ending. Past tense for run should be runned.
I get that english is a living language and gets updated and morphs over time as different words come in and out of favor. But for ease of use, I do think the controlled version called learning english should be retained and used as the foundation of all communication for every spacer out there.
Keep:
- Has:
- The word divider character is the blank space.
- Subject verb agreement relatively uncomplicated unlike in languages like polish.
- Verb inflections - Relatively fewer verb inflections compared to many other languages. For instance, in languages like Spanish or French, verb conjugation can include a variety of endings to indicate person, number, tense, and mood.
- Does not have:
- Declension.
- Grammatical gender.
- Definite article - Different forms of the definite article for different genders or numbers. English just uses the word "the."
- Indefinite article - The indefinite articles "a", and "an", do not change based on the gender or number of the noun they modify.
Remove:
- Verb inflections - English has relatively fewer verb inflections compared to many other languages. For instance, in languages like Spanish or French, verb conjugation can include a variety of endings to indicate person, number, tense, and mood. I think it wise to simplify this even further to eliminate things such as he runs and replace it with the standard he runned.
Add:
Esperanto has features that make it easier, space lingo should model these:
- Simple Grammar: Esperanto has a relatively simple grammar compared to natural languages. It follows consistent rules without irregularities or exceptions, making it easier to learn and use.
- Regular Verb Conjugation: Esperanto verbs have a regular pattern of conjugation, and they do not vary based on tense, aspect, mood, or person. This simplicity simplifies verb usage and reduces the need to memorize numerous verb forms.
- Clear Word Formation: Esperanto has a highly regular system of word formation. Most words are derived from root words, which are combined with affixes to create new words. This predictable structure allows learners to easily expand their vocabulary and understand the meanings of unfamiliar words.
- Phonetic Spelling and Pronunciation: Esperanto is written phonetically, meaning words are pronounced as they are spelled, and vice versa. This consistent correspondence between letters and sounds eliminates the ambiguities and inconsistencies often found in natural languages.
- Neutrality and Cultural Neutrality: Esperanto was designed to be politically and culturally neutral, allowing speakers from diverse backgrounds to communicate on an equal footing. By avoiding biases towards any particular culture, it promotes a sense of equality and inclusivity.
- International Community: Esperanto has a dedicated and active international community of speakers, learners, and enthusiasts. This community provides a supportive environment for learning and practicing the language, offering resources, events, and opportunities for cultural exchange.
- Linguistic Fairness: Esperanto aims to address the imbalances and complexities found in many natural languages. It seeks to provide a more equitable linguistic landscape by offering an easier and more accessible means of communication for all.
- Intellectual Stimulation: Learning Esperanto can be intellectually stimulating, as it introduces learners to the principles of language construction and linguistic universals. It can enhance language learning skills and foster an appreciation for the diversity of human communication.
- Bridge to Other Languages: Many Esperanto learners find that acquiring Esperanto as a second language helps them to learn additional languages more efficiently. The logical structure and transparent grammar of Esperanto serve as a foundation for understanding language concepts that are common across different languages.