HumanML discussion
Date: Wed, 07 Feb 2001 10:28:05 -0500 From: Karl Best <karl.best@oasis-open.org> To: members@lists.oasis-open.org, xml-dev@lists.xml.org Subject: FW: Proposal for HumanML discussion
Ranjeeth Kumar Thunga from HumanMarkup.org, an Individual OASIS member, would like to start a discussion related to the creation of a Human Markup Language specification. Attached is his proposal. If you are interested in participating in this discussion please contact Ranjeeth (please don't reply to this message). If two more OASIS members would like to participate then we can start an OASIS Discussion List or an OASIS Technical Committee.
</karl>
Karl F. Best
OASIS - Director, Technical Operations
978.667.5115 x206
karl.best@oasis-open.org http://www.oasis-open.org
HUMANML -- SHORT INTRODUCTION / CALL FOR SUPPORT The function of HumanML is to provide an XML standard that enhances the quality and depth of human communication. This is done through the explicit markup of human characteristics not conveyed through current means. These human characteristics include "thought processes", "emotions", "motivation", "attitude", and "flexibility" among others. So far, we have represented many human traits as emoticons--such as :-), LOL, (L), :-(. These efforts certainly help convey some human qualities. They have enhanced human expression, but their benefits are informal, non-standard, and ultimately limited. However, with the current XML framework we now have, we can finally integrate much deeper human aspects within our communication. The result will be a substantial enhancement in the quality of human communications, and the elimination of much misunderstanding in society. We are currently working with various cross-industry organizations in assuring this standard is supported. All individuals or organizations interested in participating in the Discussion List and Technical Committee should contact us to participate. Although various organizations may derive benefit from standardizing human expression, it is important to emphasize the fundamental purpose of HumanML is to eliminate human misunderstanding in society -- thus, it is crucial to note that all efforts towards the HumanML standard are open and non-proprietary. We look forward to hearing from parties interested in joining us. Ranjeeth Kumar Thunga rkthunga@humanmarkup.org HUMANML -- LONG INTRODUCTION / CALL FOR SUPPORT The function of HumanML is to fundamentally enhance the human communications process, through the use of XML, with the purpose of ending human misunderstanding. The ill effects of human misunderstanding are obvious--we don't have to look far to see animosity, confusion, and distrust. The results of misunderstanding have been argument, conflict, violence, and war. All of this stems from our inability to communicate our human nature at the root level. What does that mean? It means elements such as 'thought processes', 'emotional state', 'behavioral disposition', 'motivation', 'culture', 'open mindedness', and 'background' are never explicitly conveyed in our messages, and thus never fully realized by all parties involved. Miscommunication in our society abounds. There are numerous examples: -A stern warning to a subordinate may be considered as hateful speech. -A recent immigrant may be considered rude for not saying "thank you". -A joke to a friend may be interpreted as an insult. -A friendly gesture at the workplace may be considered sexual harassment. -The main point in a presidential speech may be lost in a cloud of rhetoric. -The facts presented by one party in a debate may be obscured by the jokes from the other. -The army of one country may interpret a "show of strength" by its opponent as a "call for war". We always have had to both risk and guess during communication, leaving each message susceptible to tremendous bias and prejudice. This occurs because subtle human processes involved in communication are not explicitly expressed. So far, we have begun to embed rudimentary human aspects within our communication, through the use of emoticons and acronyms such as :), lol, >P, :D, (L) etc. These have certainly helped convey human expression within our messages. However, their use has been informal, non-standard, and quite limited. With HumanML, we finally have the platform to embed a much richer human expression in our messages. We will finally have the structure to embed deep human characteristics, such as our 'emotional traits', 'rationale', 'intent', and 'attitude'. This meta-information will be contained within each statement, to allow clear and total human communication for the first time in our history. As technology develops, and our standards mature, the HumanML forum will be able to continue to develop ways to embed even deeper and richer human understanding within statements, to ensure all human communication is explicitly marked up. We will continue our efforts until human misunderstanding is abolished (which, of course, may take a little while ;)) The HumanML specification will be built on top of current endeavors. Our focus will be to embed root human characteristics in our messages, and help bring humanity towards universal empathy. It will be a very interesting world in the future, where we finally begin to work together, with both universal knowledge, and universal empathy. These are no longer flowery far-off aspirations. These are finally concrete attainable endeavors, now possible through XML. - - - - - - - - - STEPS - - - - - - - - - We will be working with various groups across industries to ensure that HumanML is supported as an open non-proprietary standard. It will be beneficial to have support from individuals or organizations with a specialized interest in XML, the Semantic Web, and Human Communications. As the creator of the Discussion List and subsequent Technical Committee, my qualifications include a broad study of the related fields of Neuropsychology, Spirituality, Human Communications, and Internet networking. The Discussion List will address four important steps: 1) Establish specific applications of the HumanML standard 2) Establish where the HumanML specification fits within current XML pursuits 2) Determine initial elements/criteria for human communication -- (a current vocabulary and framework has been developed, which will serve as the starting point from which to build from) 4) Determine initial members for the Technical Committee The HumanML Technical Committee, which will follow, will continuously address the following two tasks: 1) Define and refine vocabularies that capture human characteristics of communication 2) Define and refine standard communication frameworks within XML for different human communication settings (examples: speeches, debates, counseling sessions) Final Note: The fundamental purpose of HumanML is to diminish human misunderstanding . Thus, it is crucial to note that all efforts towards the HumanML standard are open and non-proprietary. We look forward to input from everyone interested in participating. Please contact me, Ranjeeth Kumar Thunga (rkthunga@humanmarkup.org) for more information.
Prepared by Robin Cover for The XML Cover Pages archive.
