Koalang
Encyclopedia
Koalang is a term invented by Janusz A. Zajdel, Polish science fiction
writer. It was the language used by people in a totalitarian world called Paradyzja
(in Zajdel's 1984 book by the same title, Paradyzja). The English term would probably be something like 'asalang'; the "ko-al" part in "koalang" comes from Polish words "kojarzeniowo-aluzyjny", associative-allusive.
Because Paradyzja was a space station
, where all activity was tracked by automatic cameras and analysed (mostly) by computers, the people there created an Aesopian language
, full of metaphor
s, impossible for computers to grasp. The meaning of every sentence depended on the context. For example, the phrase "I dreamt about blue angels last night" meant "I was visited by the police last night".
The software analyzing sentences was also self-learning
, so one phrase used metaphorically to describe something should not be used in the same meaning again.
Zajdel paid a tribute to George Orwell
's newspeak
and to Aldous Huxley
by naming one of the main characters Nikor Orley Huxwell.
In 1980s the youth magazine Na Przełaj printed lyrics of rock songs
in a column titled "KOALANG", hinting that the texts of the songs have content concealed from censorship
.
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
writer. It was the language used by people in a totalitarian world called Paradyzja
Paradyzja
Paradyzja is a 1984 science fiction novel by Janusz A. Zajdel.It is a dystopian novel similar to George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. The space colonies are more or less federated with the Earth. Human rights are observed and respected everywhere, but Paradise has not been verified for sure...
(in Zajdel's 1984 book by the same title, Paradyzja). The English term would probably be something like 'asalang'; the "ko-al" part in "koalang" comes from Polish words "kojarzeniowo-aluzyjny", associative-allusive.
Because Paradyzja was a space station
Space station
A space station is a spacecraft capable of supporting a crew which is designed to remain in space for an extended period of time, and to which other spacecraft can dock. A space station is distinguished from other spacecraft used for human spaceflight by its lack of major propulsion or landing...
, where all activity was tracked by automatic cameras and analysed (mostly) by computers, the people there created an Aesopian language
Aesopian language
Aesopian Language is communications that convey an innocent meaning to outsiders but hold a concealed meaning to informed members of a conspiracy or underground movement. For instance, Person X is known for exposing secrets in an organization, so the organization leaders announce, "any members who...
, full of metaphor
Metaphor
A metaphor is a literary figure of speech that uses an image, story or tangible thing to represent a less tangible thing or some intangible quality or idea; e.g., "Her eyes were glistening jewels." Metaphor may also be used for any rhetorical figures of speech that achieve their effects via...
s, impossible for computers to grasp. The meaning of every sentence depended on the context. For example, the phrase "I dreamt about blue angels last night" meant "I was visited by the police last night".
The software analyzing sentences was also self-learning
Machine learning
Machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, is a scientific discipline concerned with the design and development of algorithms that allow computers to evolve behaviors based on empirical data, such as from sensor data or databases...
, so one phrase used metaphorically to describe something should not be used in the same meaning again.
Zajdel paid a tribute to George Orwell
George Orwell
Eric Arthur Blair , better known by his pen name George Orwell, was an English author and journalist...
's newspeak
Newspeak
Newspeak is a fictional language in George Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. In the novel, it refers to the deliberately impoverished language promoted by the state. Orwell included an essay about it in the form of an appendix in which the basic principles of the language are explained...
and to Aldous Huxley
Aldous Huxley
Aldous Leonard Huxley was an English writer and one of the most prominent members of the famous Huxley family. Best known for his novels including Brave New World and a wide-ranging output of essays, Huxley also edited the magazine Oxford Poetry, and published short stories, poetry, travel...
by naming one of the main characters Nikor Orley Huxwell.
In 1980s the youth magazine Na Przełaj printed lyrics of rock songs
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
in a column titled "KOALANG", hinting that the texts of the songs have content concealed from censorship
Censorship
thumb|[[Book burning]] following the [[1973 Chilean coup d'état|1973 coup]] that installed the [[Military government of Chile |Pinochet regime]] in Chile...
.