Thomas S. Mullaney
Professor of Chinese History at Stanford University and a Guggenheim Fellow.
Best podcasts with Thomas S. Mullaney
Ranked by the Snipd community
Mar 29, 2024 • 1h 43min
Thomas S. Mullaney, "The Chinese Computer: A Global History of the Information Age" (MIT Press, 2024)
Author Thomas S. Mullaney delves into the challenges of inputting Chinese characters on standard keyboards, revealing the revolutionary hypography. The podcast explores the evolution of Chinese language computing technology post-WWII, showcasing the brilliant minds behind electronic Chinese input methods. From IBM to MIT, the CIA to the Taiwanese military, the unexpected influences on Chinese computing are unveiled. Mullaney traces the impact of Chinese computing on language evolution and digital inclusion, reflecting on unconventional productivity strategies in research pursuits.
Mar 29, 2024 • 1h 43min
Thomas S. Mullaney, "The Chinese Computer: A Global History of the Information Age" (MIT Press, 2024)
In this engaging conversation, Thomas S. Mullaney, a Professor of Chinese History at Stanford and Guggenheim Fellow, uncovers the intricate history of Chinese computing. He explains how the Chinese language adapted to digital input, from early IBM electric typewriters to modern input methods, highlighting challenges like typing thousands of characters. Mullaney introduces us to innovative minds behind these tech advancements and explores the concept of 'hypography,' emphasizing how technology reshapes both language and communication in the digital age.
