LINGUIST List 15.3228

Wed Nov 17 2004

Qs: Speech Synthesis in CALL; Possible Book in Coptic

Editor for this issue: Steven Moran <stevelinguistlist.org>

We'd like to remind readers that the responses to queries are usually best posted to the individual asking the question. That individual is then strongly encouraged to post a summary to the list. This policy was instituted to help control the huge volume of mail on LINGUIST; so we would appreciate your cooperating with it whenever it seems appropriate.

In addition to posting a summary, we'd like to remind people that it is usually a good idea to personally thank those individuals who have taken the trouble to respond to the query.

To post to LINGUIST, use our convenient web form at http://linguistlist.org/LL/posttolinguist.html.

Directory

1. Zoe Handley, Speech Synthesis in CALL
2. L. Pazzagliz, Possible book in Coptic

Message 1: Speech Synthesis in CALL

Date: 16-Nov-2004
From: Zoe Handley <zoe.handley

postgrad.manchester.ac.uk>
Subject: Speech Synthesis in CALL

Dear colleagues,

This experiment focuses on the use of speech synthesis in Computer-Assisted
Language Learning (CALL). Currently, we are in the process of developing a
batter of tests to determine whether French speech synthesis systems are
ready for use in French CALL programs. In order to do this, we need to
carry out an experiment with French teachers and CALL/NLP researchers like you.

The goal of this experiment is to identify the requirements of speech
synthesis for use in three specific CALL contexts, as a (1) reading
machine, (2) a pronunciation model, and (3) a conversational partner.

The experiment, which should take no more than an hour and a half of your
time, is presented on-line. There is no need to download any files.

If you think that you will be able to help us by participating in this
experiment, please contact us by e-mail at the following address:

zoe.handley

postgrad.manchester.ac.uk.

All participants will be acknowledged in our publications.

Kind regards,

Zöe Handley, doctoral student and principal researcher, and Marie-Josée
Hamel, supervisor.

PS Would any of your colleagues be interested in participating in our
experiment ? If so, please forward them our contact details. Many thanks in
advance !

Zöe Handley
The School of Informatics
The University of Manchester
Manchester,
UK

Dr Marie-Josée Hamel
French Department
Dalhousie University
Halifax, N.-S.
Canada

Linguistic Field(s): Applied Linguistics; Computational Linguistics

Subject Language(s): French (Language Code: FRN)

Message 2: Possible book in Coptic

Date: 17-Nov-2004
From: L. Pazzagliz <pazzaglia

yahoo.com>
Subject: Possible book in Coptic

My family has a small collection of small, unsual books which I have
inherited. We have a little red book all in leather, the pages too, that
is written in what I've been told could be coptic.

Could you confirm for me if this is coptic and if so... what the subject of
the book might be? You can see pictures of the book and some of the pages
here (click on the images to enlarge):

http://photobucket.com/albums/v237/pazzaglia/what%20is%20it/

I don't have a confirmed source of this book but I suspect it was brought
back from Eritrea (Ethiopia) or Lybia by my Italian grandfather during WWII.

Anything you could tell me about this book would be appreciated!

Thanks,

L

Linguistic Field(s): Writing Systems

Subject Language(s): Coptic (Language Code: COP)
Respond to list|Read more issues|LINGUIST home page|Top of issue