Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-t7czq Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-26T16:53:21.493Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Natural language processing in CALL: language with a purpose

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 August 2021

R D Ward
Affiliation:
School of Computing and Mathematics, University of Huddersfiled
R Foot
Affiliation:
Department of German, University of Huddersfield
A B Rostron
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Hull

Abstract

This paper makes a case for a style of CALL in which learners engage in written ‘conversations’ with a computer, implemented by means of natural language processing techniques. These conversations involve using language as a tool for achieving goals through active communication rather than as the subject matter for language exercises. The paper goes on to discuss the design and implementation of prototype software developed to illustrate this approach, and reports on pilot observations of the software in use. However, many issues in the design and use of this approach remain to be clarified.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1999

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Bruner, J.S. (1983) Child's talk: learning to use language, Oxford: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Bryen, D.N. (1982) Inquiries into Child Language. Boston, Mass: Allyn and Bacon.Google Scholar
Conrad, R. (1979) “The reading abilities of deaf school leavers”, British Journal of Education Psychology 47, 138-148.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Davies, S. & Poesio, M. (1998a) “Towards the incorporation of corrective feedback strategies in spoken dialogue systems for second language learning”, NLP in CALL'98, UMIST. http://www.cogsci.ed.ac.uk/∼sarahd/nlpcalltalk/index.htmGoogle Scholar
Davies, S. & Poesio, M. (1998b) “The Provision of Corrective Feedback in a Spoken Dialogue CALL System”, Proceedings of ICSLP'98, 5th International Conference on Spoken Language Processing, Sydney, Australia, 30 November-1 December.Google Scholar
Dockrell, J. & McShane, J. (1993) Children's learning difficulties: a cognitive approach, Oxford: Blackwell.Google Scholar
Leonard, L. (1989) “Language learnability and specific language impairment in children”, Applied Psycholinguistics 2, 179-202.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Nael, E., Graba, J. & Ward, R.D. (1996) Formes Cachées (software). CTI Centre for Modern Languages, University of Hull. http://www.hull.ac.uk/cti/software.htm#formesGoogle Scholar
Quigley, S.P. & Paul, P.V. (1984) Language and Deafness, London: Croom Helm.Google Scholar
Richards, J.C. & Rodgers, T.S. (1985) Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Google Scholar
Shaw, K. (1998) Final year project. Department of Psychology, University of Hull.Google Scholar
Ward, R.D. (1997) Hidden Shapes in JavaScript (software). School of Computing and Mathematics, University of Huddersfield. http://www.hud.ac.uk/schools/comp+maths/servicewatch/hsjs.htmGoogle Scholar
Ward, R.D. (1988) Natural Language, Computer-Assisted Learning and Language-Impaired Children, PhD Thesis, Department of Psychology, University of Hull.Google Scholar
Ward, R.D. (1989) “Some Uses of Natural Language Interfaces in Computer-Assisted Language Learning”, Instructional Science 17, 1-17.Google Scholar
Ward, R.D. (1996) ‘Formes Cachees: a computer game with a French natural language interface”, ReCALL 8(2), 35-40.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Weston, A. (1997) Unpublished Honours project, School of Computing and Mathematics, University of Huddersfield.Google Scholar
Wiig, E.H. & Semel, E.M. (1976) Language disabilities in children and adolescents, Columbus Ohio: Charles E Merrill.Google Scholar
Winograd, T. (1972) Understanding Natural Language, New York: Academic Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar