New algorithm for learning languages

August 31, 2005 | Source: Science Blog

Cornell University and Tel Aviv University researchers have developed a method for enabling a computer program to scan text in any of a number of languages, including English and Chinese, detect recurring patterns or rules, and autonomously and without previous information, infer the underlying rules of grammar.

The rules can then be used to generate new and meaningful sentences. The method also works for such data as sheet music or protein sequences.