The Centre for Text Technology (CTexT®) at the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, celebrated their tenth anniversary – a decade’s contribution to cutting-edge research and development in the field of text technology today.
The function was held at the NWU Sports Village in Potchefstroom, where CTexT® staff, NWU top management, former employees, partners and supporters of CTexT® enjoyed a warm welcome.
CTexT® is an internationally recognised, innovative research- and development centre for language resources, products and software. CTexT® focuses on the development of applications and resources for easier interaction between people and computers (e.g. spelling and grammar checkers, machine translation systems and data development) and innovative approaches to processing natural languages.
Prof Gerhard van Huyssteen, former head of CTexT®, presented a look back on the centre’s development over the past ten years.
The presentation illustrated research outputs, resources, technologies, rewards, contracts and funds generated by CTexT®. “CTexT® has established itself as a key player in the research and development of text technology for South African languages, both nationally and internationally.
The expertise, high energy and innovative approach at CTexT® promise that the next ten years will be even more exciting.”
He also addressed future plans of the centre: “CTexT® is in an excellent position to make a difference to users of different languages in a multilingual country such as South Africa, especially given new legislation that requires government departments to provide information in multiple languages.
CTexT® will play a vitally important role to empower people in their own language”.
“We are very excited about what we have achieved and we look forward to whatever the future holds,” said Dr Roald Eiselen (manager of resource development at CTexT®).
It is clear that CTexT® plays pivotal role in the research and development of language technology, as well as language technology resources and products for national and international use.
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In the phot: Mnr. Martin Puttkammer – Head of CTexT®, Prof. Rantoa Letsosa – designated vice-rector, Prof. Mariette Lowes – outgoing vice rector, Prof. Gerhard van Huysteen – former head of CTexT®, Prof. Jan Swanepoel – Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Prof. Wannie Carstens – Director of the School for Languages.
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