UGent introduces a course to train ‘language technologists’, a first for Flanders, offering deep insights into AI systems.
This language technology course falls under the Applied Linguistics bachelor’s degree, which has seen a decline in enrolment figures over the years. Despite this, the university points out that the graduate profile is highly desired in the job market. "Companies are increasingly focusing on (language) technology, and the demand for such expertise is soaring."
UGent aims to prepare "a new generation of language professionals" with this course. Students will acquire dual expertise in a foreign language and language technology. They’ll learn communication, translation, and interpretation skills in English, French, or German, as well as Dutch.
Crucially, they will learn Python programming and understand how computers comprehend and generate language, vital knowledge for understanding AI system development.
