Joke software helps impaired kids
Thu, 24 Aug 2006
Children who need to use computer aids to speak can now hone their sense of humour, thanks to pioneering software from Scotland that enables them to make punning jokes.
Known as the System to Augment Non-speakers' Dialogue Using Puns, or 'Standup', the software was developed by researchers at Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh universities.
It has already been successfully tested with eight youngsters at a Glasgow school, enabling them to come up with such punning jokes as: "What do you call a spicy missile? A hot shot."
It overcomes a core problem with existing computerised speech aids which, researchers say, are liable to restrict the development of a child's language skills because they stick to essentials and lack spontaneity.
"The software makes simple puns by looking for suitable patterns in the words and phrases which are available to it," said Graeme Ritchie of Aberdeen University's computing science department.
"In this project, the computer acts as a helper to the child, by letting them browse through joke forms and try out words and phrases."
Annalu Waller, from Dundee University's school of computing, added: "This research shows the importance of providing individuals with novel language."
"It has been wonderful to see young people with complex communication needs taking ownership of puns and using them to take control of communication."
Plans call for Standup — funded by the British government's
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council — to be ready for
use by schools and speech therapists later this year.
AFP
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