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SLP148 Language and Computation
Availability : |
D2 |
Credit Points |
3 |
Convenor(s) |
Dr. Rosalind Thornton |
Unit Web Site |
None |
Description
This unit brings linguistics and computing together in an exploration of how language works in man and machines. The unit focuses on how computer applications use words in English, and considers whether or not words work the same way in the human mind. Some of the questions to be investigated are: What is the definition of a word? What are the sub-parts of English words? How does a computer carry out tasks such as counting the words in your essay and spell-checking it? How are words stored and retrieved in different kinds of dictionaries, in the human mind, and in computers? How can data from special populations such as dyslexics and aphasics inform us about the organization of the mental dictionary? How does a search engine like Google retrieve and access words? What are the challenges for the future in understanding how people work with words, and how machines can best work with words?
The course does not assume any prior knowledge of either linguistics or computing, and it has no prerequisites. Assessment is by means of assignments, in-class short tests and an exam.
Text (for the Linguistics portion): Aitchison, J. (2003) Words in the Mind. Blackwell Publishing.
Additional readings will be made available on e-reserve.