This research project investigates the relationship between computer animation and language; specifically, developing utilities to generate animation from natural language instructions. Methods for specifying simulations at a task-level rather than at the level of individual motions are discussed. We envision a system which would allow engineers or technical staff who currently write instruction manuals to instead generate animations which illustrate the task. However it is unlikely that these engineers would have sufficient knowledge of animation techniques. For this reason, such a system must provide high-level tools to permit the engineer to animate a task without becoming entangled in low-level animation issues.