Celtic CALL: strengthening the vital role of education for language transmission

Neasa Ní Chiaráin, Madeleine Comtois, Oisín Nolan, Neimhin Robinson-Gunning, John Sloan, Harald Berthelsen, Ailbhe Ní Chasaide


Abstract
In this paper, we present the Irish language learning platform, An Sc ́eala ́ı, an intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Learning (iCALL) system which incorporates speech and language technologies in ways that promote the holistic development of the language skills - writing, listening, reading, and speaking. The technologies offer the advantage of extensive feedback in spoken and written form, enabling learners to improve their production. The system works equally as a classroom-based tool and as a standalone platform for the autonomous learner. Given the key role of education for the transmission of all the Celtic languages, it is vital that digital technologies be harnessed to maximise the effectiveness of language teaching/learning. An Scéalaí has been used by large numbers of learners and teachers and has received very positive feedback. It is built as a modular system which allows existing and newly emerging technologies to be readily integrated, even if those technologies are still in development phase. The architecture is largely language-independent, and as an open-source system, it is hoped that it can be usefully deployed in other Celtic languages.
Anthology ID:
2022.cltw-1.10
Volume:
Proceedings of the 4th Celtic Language Technology Workshop within LREC2022
Month:
June
Year:
2022
Address:
Marseille, France
Editors:
Theodorus Fransen, William Lamb, Delyth Prys
Venue:
CLTW
SIG:
Publisher:
European Language Resources Association
Note:
Pages:
71–76
Language:
URL:
https://aclanthology.org/2022.cltw-1.10
DOI:
Bibkey:
Cite (ACL):
Neasa Ní Chiaráin, Madeleine Comtois, Oisín Nolan, Neimhin Robinson-Gunning, John Sloan, Harald Berthelsen, and Ailbhe Ní Chasaide. 2022. Celtic CALL: strengthening the vital role of education for language transmission. In Proceedings of the 4th Celtic Language Technology Workshop within LREC2022, pages 71–76, Marseille, France. European Language Resources Association.
Cite (Informal):
Celtic CALL: strengthening the vital role of education for language transmission (Ní Chiaráin et al., CLTW 2022)
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PDF:
https://aclanthology.org/2022.cltw-1.10.pdf