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AI Engineering
Hacker News·Jun 19·5 min read
Amateur may have cracked Linear A, a 120-year-old puzzle
TL;DR
For over a century, linguists have struggled to decipher Linear A, an ancient Minoan writing system. Tom Di Mino, an AI engineer, claims to have cracked it using insights gained from his research.
✦ Why It Matters
Engineers and researchers can explore AI techniques for language analysis and historical linguistics applications.
Key Takeaways
- Explore AI methods for language deciphering.
- Investigate historical language connections.
- Consider implications of ancient scripts on modern linguistics.
- Stay updated on peer-reviewed findings in linguistics.
Full Summary
Linear A is a writing system from the Bronze Age that has remained undeciphered for over 120 years, posing a significant challenge to linguists. Tom Di Mino, a self-taught AI engineer, began his investigation in January and reported a breakthrough on May 22.
He utilized data analysis techniques to identify patterns in the script, suggesting that Linear A corresponds to an extinct Semitic language, potentially a precursor to biblical Hebrew. His findings are currently under review by experts at Rutgers and Cambridge.
If confirmed, this would be a monumental shift in the field of linguistics, akin to the deciphering of Linear B in 1952. The implications extend beyond linguistics, potentially influencing historical understanding of language evolution.
Di Mino's approach highlights the intersection of AI and humanities research.