This paper <http://www.computer.org/csdl/mags/an/2011/01/man2011010088-abs.html> by Grier, and an earlier one cited in it, establishes an etymology for the verb 'to program' (in the computer programming sense) in the ENIAC era, via industrial process engineer. Davis' "The Universal Computer" and Priestly's "A Science of Operations" both discuss the influence of logicians' (e.g. Hilbert) notion of a "formal language" on the notion of subsequent computer users/theorists. You might also look into the related terms "instruction" or "command", which have similarly strong anthropomorphic connotations. Sent from my iPhone On Nov 5, 2014, at 4:13 AM, Marie Gevers <marie.gevers@unamur.be> wrote: I wonder by whom and when the word 'language' was used for the first time in the framework of computer sciences. Can anybody enlighten me? Thanks in advance. Marie -- <edifghaf.png> Prof. Marie d'UDEKEM-GEVERS Chargée de cours Conseillère à la formation Professeure invitée au Collège Belgique Faculté d'Informatique et Centre d'Etudes Sciences et PHIlosophie à Namur (ESPHIN) Centre de Recherche Information, Droit & Société (CRIDS) T. +32 (0)81 724 973 F. +32 (0)81 724 967 marie.gevers@unamur.be http://www.unamur.be/universite/personnes/page_view/01001574/ http://www.academieroyale.be/cgi?usr=bb58g68qxq&lg=fr&pag=919&tab=111&rec=513&frm=368&par=secorig1018&id=5337&flux=83265846 Université de Namur ASBL Rue de Bruxelles 61 - 5000 Namur Belgique Let’s respect the environment together. Only print this message if necessary! _______________________________________________ This email is relayed from members@sigcis.org, the email discussion list of SHOT SIGCIS. Opinions expressed here are those of the member posting and are not reviewed, edited, or endorsed by SIGCIS. The list archives are at http://sigcis.org/pipermail/members/ and you can change your subscription options at http://sigcis.org/mailman/listinfo/members