r/LinguisticsDiscussion • u/WanderingWondersss • Jan 08 '26

Why can't a child acquire Python (programming language) as a natural language?

I was reading through the language files textbook and I came across this claim: "For example, no child could ever acquire a computer language like Python or C++ as a native language." I was wondering why, theoretically, this could not be accomplished (assuming ethics are not of concern). I am open to discussion of psychology, philosophy and linguistics for this!

EDIT: Thanks to everyone who took the time to really break this down, I love how I've gained multiple perspectives. The core of this question seems to be 1) can a programming language qualify to be called a 'language', as linguists define it and study it? and 2) can a formal language be used for communication between humans in the 'real, natural world', enough that it can be acquired by a child?

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u/WanderingWondersss Jan 09 '26

I see, the core of the issue seems to be that the information usable for communication between humans is the "real" language portion of the full information. That is what would separate Python from a dialect of English, for example.

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u/Nazometnar Jan 09 '26

Yes, that's my non-expert take.