If you ask a linguist what is the link between physics and linguistics for sure he will say 'There is no link !'. And probably the same reaction you will find in a physicist. The truth is there exist one little but important link. There was this man born in Poland (those times included in Prussia) in the 19'th century. His name is Hermann Günther Grassmann. He studied theology, classical languages, literature and philosophy in Berlin and in his days he was known as a linguist. Even if he had never had math or physics classes he left us an important inheritance. He started developing a mathematical theory that for people of those days looked like fantasy so it was totally ignored. He tried to teach math in the University but the head of the department refused him because his application essay contained "... commendably good material expressed in a deficient form."
His major contributions are in the domain of linear algebra with some applications in physics.The new math theory were published but not so much attention was given. That made him turn to linguistics. He learned Sanskrit, wrote many books on German grammar and did a translation of the Indian 'Rigveda'.
What drew my attention on this man? In two of the courses that i have this semester his name was mentioned because while dealing with the class of particles called fermions you cannot use 'normal' complex numbers but some special numbers introduced by Grassmann. These numbers obey a special algebra named after its creator. Nowadays Grassmann receives the honor he deserves. If during his life he got recognition only for his contributions in linguistics now we mention him mainly for his special talent for mathematics. So no matter if you are appreciated for what you really like to do or not keep on thinking and creating. It can be useful in the future !
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