UNISA Lectures
These are lecture notes presented by Kenneth R. Beesley at a workshop
at the University of South Africa in Pretoria, Sept. 20-23, 2004.
During
this workshop 16 participants were instructed hands-on in the use of
finite-state tools and techniques to build useful and efficient
programs that process text in natural languages. Since finite state
morphological analysis requires computer programming skills as well as
detailed, conscious knowledge of orthography, morphotactics,
morphophonology and lexicography, most participants worked in
multidisciplinary teams. Although the emphasis was on the indigenous
languages of South Africa, one participant who specialises in a Finnish
indigenous language, Sami, travelled all the way from Norway, to attend
the workshop.
