Question

We all hear that math at least helps a little bit with programming. My question though, does English or other natural language skills help with programming? I know it has to help with technical documentation, but what about actual programming? Are certain constructs in a programming language also there in natural languages? Does knowing how to write a 20 page research paper help with writing a 20k loc programming project?

Answer 1

Dijkstra went so far as to say: “Besides a mathematical inclination, an exceptionally good mastery of one’s native tongue is the most vital asset of a competent programmer.”

Edit: yes, I’m reasonably certain he was talking about the programming part of the job. Here’s a bit more complete quote:

The problems of business administration in general and database management in particular are much too difficult for people who think in IBMerese, compounded by sloppy English.

About the use of language: it is impossible to sharpen a pencil with a blunt axe. It is equally vain to try to do it with ten blunt axes instead.

Besides a mathematical inclination, an exceptionally good mastery of one’s native tongue is the most vital asset of a competent programmer.

From EWD498.

I certainly can’t speak for Dijkstra, but I think it’s impossible to cleanly separate the part where you’re doing actual programming from the part where you’re interacting with people. Just for example, even when you’re working alone, it’s crucial that you’re able to understand (clearly and unambiguously) notes you wrote down about what to do, the nature of a bug, etc. A good command of English is necessary even when nobody else is involved at all (and, of course, that’s unusual except on trivial tasks).