# Graduate Course: GF (Grammatical Framework)

Aarne Ranta
Thu Mar 29 16:09:45 2007

GSLT, [NGSLT http://ngslt.org/}, and Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology and Gothenburg University.

Autumn Term 2007.

# Purpose

GF (Grammatical Framework) is a grammar formalism, i.e. a special-purpose programming language for writing grammars. It is suitable for many natural language processing tasks, in particular,

- multilingual applications
- systems where grammar-based components are needed for e.g. parsing, translation, or speech recognition

The goal of the course is to develop an understanding of GF and practical skills in using it.

# Contents

The course consists of two modules. The first module is a one-week intensive course (during the first intensive week of GSLT), which is as such usable as a one-week intensive course for doctoral studies.

The second module is an independent programming project, written by each student (possibly working in groups) during the Autumn term. This module ends with a three days' meeting where the projects are presented and discussed.

The first module goes through the basics of GF, including

- using the GF programming language
- writing multilingual grammars
- using the GF resource grammar library
- generating speech recognition systems from GF grammars
- using embedded grammars as components of software systems

The lectures follow the GF Tutorial. Those who just want to do the first module will write a simple application as their course work during the intensive week.

Those who continue with the second module will choose a more substantial project. Possible topics are

- building a dialogue system by using GF
- implementing a multilingual document generator
- experimenting with synthetized multilingual tree banks
- extending the GF resource grammar library

# Prerequisites

Experience in programming. No earlier natural language processing experience is necessary.

The course is thus suitable both for GSLT and NGSLT students, and for graduate students in computer science.

We will in particular welcome students from the Baltic countries who wish to build resources for their own language in GF.