Antti Arppe
I am Professor of Quantitative Linguistics in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Alberta, where I have worked since Fall 2012. In May 2013, I founded the Alberta Language Technology Lab (ALTLab) which I continue to direct, focusing on the development of language technological tools and applications for Indigenous Languages. Starting from May 2013, I am Principal Investigator in the partnership project 21st century tools for indigenous languages, currently funded by SSHRC for 2019-2026. Currently, I am also the Past President of the ACL Special Interest Group on Endangered Languages (SIGEL), and the Past Chair of the Canadian Initiative for Nordic Studies (CINS).
Using a Blackfoot computational model to generate classroom exercises
Blackfoot learners must practice conjugating verb forms and using them properly in various situations. Memorizing conjugation tables is ineffective, and does not help learners practice the forms as needed in natural discourse. We propose generating dialogue-style exercise materials for practicing the full range of verb forms, by combining a Blackfoot computational model encoding the language's word structure with exercise templates describing question-answer pairs. The computational model can also support analyzing responses and provide feedback to the learner. We will present a prototype application for Blackfoot, based on preceding work for Plains Cree (Bontogon et al. 2017). Importantly, while access to fluent Blackfoot speakers is limited, this computational exercise platform can be made available on-line at any time of the day for many learners. Such a platform does not get tired, providing learners opportunities to practice as much as they need, in an anonymous fashion, without fear of critique.