There’s another problem: a language is not just a bunch of concepts, it’s an internally consistent structure. It’s hard (or at least sub-optimal) to mix certain features found in different languages, in a way that is equally easy for everyone regardless of L1 background to get it.
A good example of that would be the role of word order. It could be used for case, as in English, or for topic-comment, as in Russian; but if you’re doing it English style you’ll likely need articles too, and if you’re doing it Russian style you’ll likely want explicit case marks. No matter which one you pick, you’re making the language for either Russian or English speakers to understand.
There’s another problem: a language is not just a bunch of concepts, it’s an internally consistent structure. It’s hard (or at least sub-optimal) to mix certain features found in different languages, in a way that is equally easy for everyone regardless of L1 background to get it.
A good example of that would be the role of word order. It could be used for case, as in English, or for topic-comment, as in Russian; but if you’re doing it English style you’ll likely need articles too, and if you’re doing it Russian style you’ll likely want explicit case marks. No matter which one you pick, you’re making the language for either Russian or English speakers to understand.
Makes sense.