equipmentは不可算名詞ですが、そろそろ可算になるなんてことは？

Me:

In translating technical documents such as patents and manuals for electrical, electronic, or mechanical inventions, devices and equipment, it is OK to use the plural "equipments" for 機器 or 装置? 

Chat:

In technical documents, including patents and manuals, it is generally more appropriate to use "equipment" in the singular form when referring to machinery, devices, or apparatus collectively. The term "equipment" is typically an uncountable noun in English, much like "furniture" or "information."

When translating Japanese terms such as 機器 (kiki) or 装置 (souchi) into English:

1. 機器 (kiki): This term can often be translated as "equipment" or "machinery," and it is usually treated as uncountable. For example:

   • 医療機器 (iryou kiki) = medical equipment
   • 電子機器 (denshi kiki) = electronic equipment

2. 装置 (souchi): This term often translates to "device" or "apparatus." In specific contexts, "devices" or "apparatuses" might be more suitable if you are referring to multiple distinct items. For example:

   • 安全装置 (anzen souchi) = safety device
   • 測定装置 (sokutei souchi) = measuring apparatus

Examples of Proper Usage

• Correct: "The laboratory has advanced equipment for testing."
• Incorrect: "The laboratory has advanced equipments for testing."

If you need to refer to multiple distinct items, you can use terms like "pieces of equipment" or specify the types of devices:

• "The company manufactures various pieces of equipment."
• "Several types of devices are used in the process."

In Summary

• Use "equipment" for the collective, uncountable form.
• Use "devices" or "apparatuses" for multiple distinct items if necessary.

Therefore, for technical accuracy and clarity in documents such as patents and manuals, it is recommended to avoid using "equipments" and instead use the singular "equipment" or specify the items more precisely.

Me:

I agree with your suggestions and am aware that the word "equipment" typically refers to devices or apparatues collectively. However, there is the term "user equipment" referring to a device such as a cellular phone or other mobile devices used in communication networks using technologies such as 4G or 5G. In this context, the singular "a user equipment" and the plural "user equipments" are commonly used by native speakers of English. Is this an example of exceptional usage, limited to the relevant technical context, and not generally considered correct?

Chat:

Yes, you are correct that "user equipment" (UE) is a term used in the context of communication networks, specifically referring to devices like cellular phones and other mobile devices used in technologies such as 4G and 5G. In this technical context, you might indeed encounter phrases like "a user equipment" or "user equipments."

Context-Specific Usage

In telecommunications, "user equipment" is often used as a countable noun, which is an exception to the general rule of "equipment" being uncountable. This specialized usage arises from the need to distinguish between individual devices within a network.

Examples in Technical Context

• Singular: "A user equipment (UE) connects to the 4G network."
• Plural: "Several user equipments (UEs) were tested for compatibility."

Understanding the Exception

• Technical Jargon: In telecommunications, the terminology has evolved to include "user equipment" as a countable noun to facilitate precise communication about network components.
• Standard vs. Specialized Usage: While "equipment" remains uncountable in general English, "user equipment" as countable is accepted in the specific technical context of telecommunications.

In Summary

This usage of "user equipment" as countable is indeed an exceptional case, largely limited to the telecommunications field. Outside of this specific context, the standard rule of "equipment" being uncountable still applies. Therefore, while "user equipments" is technically correct within the field of telecommunications, it is not generally considered correct in broader English usage.

Me:

Why did they, whoever they may be, decide to use the word "user equipment" instead of "user device", "user unit", or "user apparatus", which are countable and seem to be more suitable for plural expressions. On what grounds was the word "equipment" chosen?

Chat:

The choice of the term "user equipment" (UE) in telecommunications, despite "equipment" traditionally being uncountable, is likely due to several reasons rooted in historical, technical, and practical considerations:

Historical and Standardization Influence

1. Historical Context: The term "user equipment" has roots in earlier generations of mobile networks, where the focus was on distinguishing between network infrastructure and the devices used by end-users. This distinction was essential in early mobile communication systems and has been carried forward through successive generations of network technology (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G).

2. Standardization Bodies: Organizations such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which develops protocols for mobile telecommunications, have standardized the use of the term "user equipment." Once a term is adopted in industry standards, it tends to become entrenched in the technical vocabulary.

Technical Considerations

3. Broad Applicability: The term "equipment" is broad and can encompass a wide range of devices, from simple mobile phones to complex IoT devices. This inclusivity makes "user equipment" a versatile term that can be applied to various types of devices that connect to the network.

4. Neutrality and Precision: "User equipment" is a neutral term that avoids the connotations or limitations that might come with other terms like "device," "unit," or "apparatus." For instance:

   • Device: May imply a single-purpose or simpler technology.
   • Unit: Could suggest a modular component.
   • Apparatus: Often used for more complex or specific mechanical or scientific instruments.

Practicality and Industry Adoption

5. Consistency: Once a term is adopted and used consistently across technical documentation, research papers, and industry communications, it becomes a standard part of the lexicon. Changing terminology can lead to confusion, especially in a field as complex and widely adopted as telecommunications.

6. Comprehensiveness: "Equipment" can refer to both hardware and software components that together form a complete system used by the end-user. This comprehensive nature makes it suitable for modern mobile devices, which are multifunctional and incorporate various technologies.

Summary

The term "user equipment" was chosen for its broad applicability, neutrality, and comprehensiveness, and it has been standardized by key industry bodies. While it defies the usual grammatical rules regarding "equipment" as an uncountable noun, its established usage within the field of telecommunications ensures clarity and consistency across technical communications.

Me:

What do you think is the likelihood of the word "equipment" becoming a countable noun in the near future, being influenced by the word "user equipments" in telecommunications?

Chat:

The likelihood of "equipment" becoming a countable noun in general English usage due to the influence of "user equipments" in telecommunications is relatively low. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Specialized vs. General Usage

• Specialized Terminology: The term "user equipment" is a specific technical term used within the telecommunications industry. Such specialized terminology often remains confined to its field and does not usually influence general language usage significantly.
• General English: In general English, "equipment" is well-established as an uncountable noun. This usage is deeply ingrained in both spoken and written English, making it resistant to change.

2. Linguistic Inertia

• Resistance to Change: Language tends to resist changes to well-established grammatical norms. While technical fields can introduce new terms or specific usages, these do not easily translate to everyday language unless they fill a widespread need or gap in the language.

3. Clear Alternatives

• Existing Countable Nouns: For everyday purposes, there are already clear and established alternatives such as "devices," "units," or "pieces of equipment." These alternatives effectively communicate countable concepts without altering the fundamental grammatical rules.

4. Contextual Isolation

• Contextual Limitation: The term "user equipment" is primarily used in technical documents, standards, and communications within the telecom industry. Its use is contextually isolated, which limits its exposure to the general public and reduces its potential to influence broader language change.

5. Historical Precedent

• Precedents: Similar specialized terms in other fields have not typically influenced general language rules. For instance, "data" remains predominantly plural in scientific contexts ("data are") but is often treated as singular in general usage ("data is"). However, this hasn't led to a complete shift in the grammatical treatment of "data."

Conclusion

While the specialized use of "user equipments" in telecommunications might continue within that context, it is unlikely to cause a broader shift in the grammatical treatment of "equipment" in general English. The established linguistic norms, existing alternatives, and the isolated nature of the term within a specific industry all contribute to maintaining the current usage of "equipment" as an uncountable noun in general contexts.

Me:

Give me examples, if there is any, of words that used to be considered uncountable nouns but are now considered countable.  

Chat:

Language is constantly evolving, and there are indeed examples of words that have transitioned from being predominantly uncountable to having countable forms. Here are a few notable examples:

1. "Data"

• Historically Uncountable: Traditionally, "data" was considered the plural form of "datum" and was treated as an uncountable noun, especially in scientific and technical contexts.
• Modern Usage: Today, "data" is commonly used as a singular countable noun in general usage, often referring to pieces of information collectively. Example:
  • Singular: "The data is conclusive."
  • Plural: "The data are stored in different databases."

2. "Information"

• Historically Uncountable: "Information" has traditionally been an uncountable noun.
• Modern Contexts: In specific contexts, particularly in computing and technology, "informations" can occasionally be found, though this is less common and more controversial. Example:
  • Singular: "I need some information."
  • Rare/Technical: "Different informations were processed separately."

3. "Experience"

• Historically Uncountable: "Experience" was typically used as an uncountable noun to describe knowledge or skills gained over time.
• Modern Usage: It can now also be used in the countable sense to describe specific events or incidents. Example:
  • Uncountable: "She has a lot of experience in management."
  • Countable: "He had several interesting experiences during his travels."

4. "Evidence"

• Historically Uncountable: "Evidence" was traditionally treated as uncountable.
• Modern Contexts: In some legal and scientific contexts, "evidences" can be used to refer to distinct pieces of evidence, though this usage is still less common. Example:
  • Uncountable: "The evidence is clear."
  • Countable/Technical: "Several evidences were presented in court."

5. "Advice"

• Historically Uncountable: Traditionally, "advice" is uncountable.
• Emerging Usage: In some contexts, particularly in business or self-help literature, you might find "advices" to refer to distinct pieces of advice, though this remains uncommon. Example:
  • Uncountable: "He gave me good advice."
  • Rare/Technical: "Several advices were given during the meeting."

Summary

While the transition from uncountable to countable is not common and often context-specific, these examples show how language can evolve. It's worth noting that these transitions are gradual and often controversial, with traditional usage still being predominant in many cases. The influence of specific contexts, such as technology or specialized fields, plays a significant role in these changes.