Linguaggio nei numeri e numeri nel linguaggio. Linguistica, Matematica e Cryptoanalisi / Language in Numbers and Numbers in Language Linguistics, Mathematics and Cryptanalysis

In this article, we will provide some examples of how aspects of linguistics rely on mathematical principles. Mathematics can be seen as relevant to every area and every level of linguistic analysis in modern times. Consequently, the challenge in a brief article such as this lies not in finding examples but rather in avoiding being swamped by the evidence. For this reason, we will structure our discussion around one specific area which illustrates, even to those who may otherwise show little interest in abstract linguistic matters, the practical applications of mathematics to linguistics, namely cryptanalysis or codebreaking. This is an area which amply shows the heights of human endeavour that can be achieved when scholars of different backgrounds, among whom mathematicians and linguists, pool their very different resources and work towards a common goal.