It is curious to reflect that we have computers that can effortlessly compute pi to 5,000 places and yet cannot be made to understand that there is a difference between time flies like an arrow and fruit flies like a banana or that in the English-speaking world to make up a story, to make up one's face, and to make up after a fight are all quite separate things.
In his book "The Mother Tongue," Bill Bryson highlights the peculiarities of the English language, particularly how it can confuse even sophisticated computers. He points out that while computers have the capability to perform complex calculations, they struggle with understanding the nuances and idioms present in human communication. For example, phrases like "time flies like an arrow" versus "fruit flies like a banana" illustrate the challenges machines face in grasping context and meaning in language.
Additionally, Bryson mentions the different meanings of phrases such as "make up a story," "make up one's face," and "make up after a fight," emphasizing the richness and complexity of English. This variety of expressions showcases the intricacies of human language that go beyond mere computations, revealing the limitations of technology in comprehending the subtleties and cultural contexts that shape our communication.
