In GoodLanguageDesign it is controversically argued, that ProgrammingLanguages should provide a minimal cover of functionality.
I think, that the FormFollowsFunction metapher from ArchitecturalDesign has something to this discussion.
Should the form (i.e. syntax) of a programming language follow its function? Probably yes.
But how about its semantics? Is that still form or already function?
Can we see here a connection to DesignPatterns? After all FormFollowsFunction is a DesignPattern in architecture.
References:
See also ChristopherAlexander