From January 29th to 31st, the University of Tartu hosted an immersive 3-day masterclass in computational modelling dedicated to exploring data-driven approaches in linguistics. Held in room Jakobi 2-438, the event blended insightful lectures with hands-on workshops, ensuring participants—many with little or no programming experience—gained practical skills using our cloud computation infrastructure.
Throughout the masterclass, attendees delved into the cognitive underpinnings of learning models drawn from psychological research and discovered how these models can be harnessed to analyse linguistic data. The program showcased compelling examples from both L1 and L2 research settings, demonstrating how annotated corpus data can be transformed into empirically testable predictions and actionable insights.
Feedback from participants highlighted the clear presentation of complex concepts and the effectiveness of the interactive workshop sessions. Many appreciated the balanced mix of theory and practice, noting that the historical context and hands-on examples made the content both engaging and accessible. The masterclass not only deepened participants’ understanding of computational methods but also bridged the gap between algorithmic precision and the rich nuances of language.
We thank all who participated and contributed feedback, helping us continue to refine our approach and push the boundaries of computational linguistics. Stay tuned for future events to further explore and expand these innovative methodologies!