UNS — 21 February is commemorated as International Mother tongue Day as a crucial part of life considering the extinction rate for both mother tongue or local languages. Such extinction needs to be anticipated, especially in Central Java with its Javanese language as both mother tongue and local language.
The Chief of Center for (PUI) Javanologi Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., stated that there are many ways to preserve the Javanese language, including through the Natural Language Processing (NLP).
Prof. Sahid explained that NLP is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that records human interaction in natural language using a machine. Although the technology was developed half a century ago, NLP is considered a new finding that could assist its users in accessing data rapidly.
“I tried to pass the bright hallway of artificial intelligence (AI) by trying to see the possibility of a simulation on the Javanese language to be modeled in a machine. I think the advanced AI in conservation process (protection, development, and utilization) of Javanese language could be achieved promptly,” Prof. Sahid explained in the Seminar of International Mother tongue Day “Preservation of Local Languages through Digital Dictionary” on Saturday (19/2/2022).
Further, Prof. Sahid explained that NLP data is divided into labeled and unlabeled categories. Labeled data includes the semantics that needs to be prepared manually, while unlabeled data is additional data related to syntax. These two data could provide meaning and the implementation of grammar and dictions.
In the online seminar held by the Language Center of Central Java Province in collaboration with UNS, Prof. Sahid praised the launching of the Javanese Culture Digital Dictionary developed by the Language Center of Central Java Province. The digital dictionary is expected to help in preserving the Javanese language.
“The idea to develop Javanese Language Digital Dictionary is a sharp leap of scientific thought. Besides being prepared manually, it can be developed using the NLP method,” he added.
Prof. Sahid hoped that the Language Center of Central Java could prepare Javanese language corpus as the basis of Javanese language protection through artificial intelligence. Humas UNS
Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti