We describe here an example of the group's work on text classification. Text routing and text classification are just one area of language engineering in which the LTG builds on HCRC's basic research results to provide working prototypes and demonstrators for clients. Other areas include large-volume text handling, spelling and style checking, and tools and tutorial material for language engineers. The volume of text to be processed is too high, or the time is too short, to try and achieve full text interpretation. We have developed a system for secondary publishing enterprises.
Training is the key to the system's success.
Text categorization and text routing both involve taking a text, and assigning keywords to it, to reflect its content. The applications of categorization and routing are many and varied. For example, large companies sometimes use a text routing tool to scan incoming telexes and assign a keyword to them, typically the name of the department or of the person the telex should go to. Messages can then be forwarded to appropriate departments without human intervention. News agencies use message filters to collect messages from across the world, scan them, and classify them into a number of categories so that relevant messages can be forwarded immediately to appropriate clients.