Our CDs & Books · Overview · LEX Language Materials · LEX Math, Science & Language Books · Transnational College of LEX	TRANSNATIONAL COLLEGE OF LEX LEX has an institute in Tokyo where languages and human beings are explored from the viewpoint of natural science. The Transnational College of LEX (TCL, also known as Torakare) was created in Tokyo in 1984 as a place to research and learn about the intriguing relationship between human beings and languages. It is a sort of "LEX college." The unique thing about this college is that there are no grades, teachers, textbooks or tests. People of all ages, from recent high school graduates to grandparents, work on research revolving around the theme of "human beings and language." Like their ages, their research topics vary. The books they have published range from the bestseller The Code of Hitomaro to new research on classics in The Mystery of Makura Kotoba. They are also well known for Who is Fourier? A Mathematical Adventure, What is Quantum Mechanics? A Physics Adventure, and What is DNA? A Biology Adventure. To students of TCL, physics and mathematics are languages with which to explain natural phenomenon, and classic poems from books such as Kikimanyo are a treasure chest which explain modern-day language structures. Students are supported by Senior Fellows, a group of topnotch professional scientists and academics who provide advice and lectures which stimulate intellectual curiosity. The creative and broad-ranging research done at TCL is integrated and closely related to the Hippo Family Club (known as LEX Language Project in the U.S.) and the Transnational Exchange Program. An Atmosphere of "Joyful Thinking" By Dr. Keiko Nakamura Molecular Biologist, Professor of Osaka University Deputy Director General, Biology Research Hall Japanese Translator of Molecular Biology of the Cell, Molecular Biology of the Gene, Double Helix I always look forward to my visits to Transnational College of LEX (TCL). It's because the place has an atmosphere full of "joyful thinking." There are many "joyful" places. And there are many "thinking" places. But it's very hard to find a place like this one that incorporates the two. Above all, TCL is appealing to me because the students there are thinking about language. Language is the fundamental basis of what makes humans "human." It doesn't matter where a baby is born - in time that baby will be able to speak [given the physical ability]. If adults approach language as naturally as a baby does, we should be able to speak any language too. Although this premise is obviously true, it had never been much discussed before LEX began to create "Families," clubs where many languages were spoken. These Families are connecting through language to families all around the world. It makes us believe that there is just one "human language." DNA, I believe, which I am researching as the fundamental basis of living things, is similar to language. Both of them are interesting for scientific study! Thinking about them together with friends and colleagues is even more exciting! At Transnational College of LEX, the students continue to enjoy their "Adventures in DNA," and "Adventures in Language." And I also will continue to enjoy the adventure with them.