This olympiad is a contest in which high-school students solve linguistic puzzles. In solving the problems, students learn about the diversity and consistency of language, while exercising logic skills. No prior knowledge of linguistics or second languages is necessary. Professionals in linguistics, computational linguistics and language technologies use dozens of the world's languages to create engaging problems that represent cutting edge issues in their fields. The competition has attracted top students to study and work in those same fields. This is truly an opportunity for young people to experience a taste of natural-language processing in the 21st century. The winners of the invitation competition will be eligible to represent North America at the International Linguistic Olympiad held this year in the United States. See more details and register at the national NACLO site.
Handbook
Download the entire NACLO 2012 Handbook. It contains all the information you need for how to register, when the contests take place, where you can sign up, and locations that are hosting the competition.
Important Dates
Register by January 20, 2012 to secure your seat. Late registration continues until February 1, 2012 if there is space available. We will be allowing walk-ins on the day of the test but please register in advance if you can!
Open round: Thursday, February 2, 2012, 8:45-noon
Invitational round: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 (for top performers in the open round)
Registration
Participation is free. Students who are interested in can register at the NACLO registration site.
Minnesota Competition Location
The NACLO open competition (Feb. 2, 2012) will be held on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato in Wissink 218. The test begins at 9, but please show up by 8:45am. Directions to MSU are here and the campus map is here. Click on WH for floor plans of Wissink Hall.
The second round (March 13, 2012) will be held on the MSU campus (room TBA).
Sample Problems
You can find practice problems and solutions here.
Contact Us
Questions? Please contact Prof. Rebecca Bates at 507-389-5587 or bates @ mnsu.edu for more information.
