2024:Program/Abstract Wikipedia and the dream of a Universal Language

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Session title: Abstract Wikipedia and the dream of a Universal Language

Session type: Lecture
Track: Research
Language: en

Over centuries, academics and encyclopedists have been dreaming on the idea of a Universal Language. From Llull to Leibniz, from Descartes to Condorcet, the promise of a language that could be spoken and understood by everyone has been around. All of them have failed. In this lecture we will see some of this endeavours, and explore what are the odds for Abstract Wikipedia to succeed.

https://www.youtube.com/live/OyyYA4iWkyA?t=4320

Description

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As part of my PhD, I have researched the historical background of the universal language idea. In this lecture we will see some of the historical backgrounds, see why they couldn't achieve their goal, and explore some of the difficulties Abstract Wikipedia will have in the future.

Session Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyyYA4iWkyA&list=PLhV3K_DS5YfL7A2HXrpt8ZgnWlGjp0vIP&t=4328

How does your session relate to the event theme, Collaboration of the Open?

Abstract Wikipedia promises the collaboration in real time between people with different languages. The idea of making an open collaboration between wise people to build encyclopedic content has historical roots, and it is interesting to explore those.

What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?

Everyone can participate in this session

Etherpad link

https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/WM2024_Day1_Warsaw-_Rooms_20%2B24

Resources

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Speakers

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  • Galder Gonzalez
Wikimedian at the Basque Wikipedia, also experienced on Commons and Wikidata, now I'm the Executive Director of the Basque Wikimedians User Group.