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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

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