中文
HOME
HOME / LATEST NEWS / Content

Computational Linguistics Lecture: Unveiling the Mystery of Computational Linguistics

November 21, 2024

On the afternoon of November 18, a cross-subject lecture took place in B106 in Zhongxing Building. The theme of this lecture was "Linguistics and Computation – What is Computational Linguistics?" and Professor Zhang Xiaojun, an associate professor and PhD advisor at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, delivered the lecture as the guest speaker.



Professor Zhang began with the fascinating debate between Nobel Laureate in Physics Geoffrey Hinton and renowned linguist Noam Chomsky as an introduction. During the lecture, Professor Zhang elaborated on the origins and development of computational linguistics, as well as its close ties with natural language processing, artificial intelligence, and other related fields. Through vivid examples and practical applications, he demonstrated the immense potential and broad prospects of computational linguistics in practical use, fostering a deeper understanding of this field among all the students.


3CA7E


Then Professor Zhang analyzed several problems from the Linguistics Olympiad, showcasing how this competition sharpens participants' computational thinking skills. It not only sparked students' keen interest in computational linguistics but also made them aware of the importance of computational thinking in linguistic research. The lecture hall was filled with enthusiasm and joy. The students eagerly asked Professor Zhang questions, combining their learned knowledge and various reflections. Professor Zhang patiently answered their questions and engaged in in-depth exchanges.



This lecture deepened students' understanding of computational linguistics as well as ignited their passion for exploring the intersection of linguistics and computer science. As one of the platforms that SHSID has been committed to building for students, the Frontier Science Lecture Series has always been dedicated to fostering a rich scientific inquiry atmosphere and supporting the personalized development of every student. The successful hosting of this interdisciplinary lecture not only allowed students to appreciate the charm of computational linguistics but also inspired them to pursue their dreams and enjoy the enthusiasm of exploring the unknown world. 


(Written and Pictures by High School STEAMS advisor office    Edited by Cody Turner   Reviewed by Qian Zuo)