PhD ceremony Ms. F. Katushemererwe: Computational morphology and Bantu language learning. An implementation for Runyakitara

PhD ceremony: Ms. F. Katushemererwe, 9.00 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Computational morphology and Bantu language learning. An implementation for Runyakitara

Promotor(s): prof. J. Nerbonne

Faculty: Arts

Computational morphology plays an important role in contemporary computer-assisted language learning (CALL), particularly in vocabulary extension, learning of morphology, dictionary access and the enhancement of reading skills. However, the languages reported on in the research literature are commonly taught, widely spoken and well documented languages – mostly English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese.

Fridah Katushemererwe’s dissertation focuses on computational morphology applied to language learning, particularly with regard to the Runyakitara group of Bantu languages. Runyakitara shares with most Bantu languages a notoriously complex morphology which is a major challenge to language learners. Traditional language learning, with highly trained teachers, is infeasible due to the lack of trained teachers and the expense their work represents.

In this dissertation, Katushemererwe has designed and implemented a morphological analyzer for the Bantu languages in the Runyakitara group. She then puts the analyzer to use in supporting language learning in a novel way, namely via exercises in word inflection and selected topics in Runyakitara syntax.