langages

Langages is the plural form of langage in French and is often used in discussions that bridge natural and formal communication systems. In broad terms, a language is a system of signs governed by rules that allows users to convey meaning. Languages can be natural, evolving within speech communities, or formal, designed to express computations, specifications, or symbolic reasoning.

Natural languages include speech, sign languages, and other modalities. They consist of phonology (sound systems), morphology (word formation), syntax (grammar), lexicon (vocabulary), and semantics (meanings), with pragmatics describing how context affects interpretation. They exhibit variation across regions and social groups and change continually through processes such as borrowing, language contact, and internal innovation. Writing systems provide a stable representation, enabling longer-term preservation and transmission.

Formal languages are engineered for precision and efficiency. They rely on a formal alphabet, tokens, and a grammar that defines valid strings. Semantics assign meaning to expressions, while implementation focuses on parsing, interpretation, or compilation. Programming languages are a prominent family, supporting paradigms such as imperative, functional, and object-oriented styles, with type systems, libraries, and tooling. Other formal languages include mathematical notation, specification languages, and query languages.

Language study covers acquisition, variation, policy, and preservation. Human languages are valued for cultural heritage and identity, while programming and other formal languages enable computation and communication across platforms. The distinction between natural and formal languages highlights how systems of signs can serve diverse aims—from everyday conversation to rigorous formal reasoning.