Date:19/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/19/stories/2006121901860200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Tirupati

Need to `localise' modern technology stressed

Special Correspondent

Workshop on `computational linguistics' organised

TIRUPATI: Vice-Chancellor of Dravidian University, Kuppam G. Lakshminarayana has said that given the rapid strides globalisation was making the world over, there was an urgent need to `localise' modern technology.

Terming linguistics as the most scientific medium to reach human civilisation he, however, noted language being a barrier in accomplishing the task. It was in this context that he called upon technologists and the linguists to explore the vast scope for joint ventures in the area.

Machine translation

He was presiding over the valedictory of the 10-day workshop on `Computational Linguistics' organised by the university on Monday with Umamaheswara Rao of CALTS, University of Hyderabad as the chief guest. Mr. Rao, in his valedictory address, explained the merits of machine translation and the challenges that have to be addressed in future in the area of computational linguistics.

He cited in this connection a centrally sponsored Rs. 65 lakhs project on Tamil-Telugu, Telugu-Tamil machine translation which the Dravidian University and the CALTS would jointly pursue.

Dr. Arulmozhi, convenor of the workshop, summing up its proceedings said that besides experts from the concerned fields and resource persons from organisations like Microsoft India, Bangalore, EDS, CK Technologies, 20 delegates from all over the country have participated in the workshop.

The 10-day workshop was conducted as a special programme on eve of the university's decennial celebrations.