Isn't the answer "two" ? "One" and "None" (or on and off) ?
Of course I see the obvious bootstrapping problem where you relate the encoding starting with just those two words but ... somehow I think that's easier to overcome than it seems ... as in, I think it must be possible.
If Helen Keller can write a book, surely I can relate digital encoding to a toddler over the course of a year or three, right ?
I think it depends on if there is a distinction between digits/letters and words, otherwise "26" would be a good starting answer too (since each letter is it's own word).
Of course I see the obvious bootstrapping problem where you relate the encoding starting with just those two words but ... somehow I think that's easier to overcome than it seems ... as in, I think it must be possible.
If Helen Keller can write a book, surely I can relate digital encoding to a toddler over the course of a year or three, right ?