Essential Speech and Language Technology for Dutch

Abstract

The preceding chapters have sketched the context of the STEVIN programme and detailed descriptions of some of the results of the scientific projects carried out in the STEVIN programme. In this chapter I will briefly and very globally describe the impact of the STEVIN programme as a whole to human language technology (HLT) for the Dutch language in the Low Countries (cf. Sect. 22.2). In Sect. 22.3 I will identify a number of research data and topics that are, despite the STEVIN programme, still insufficiently covered but needed. Here I will also take into account international developments in the field of HLT that are relevant in this context. In Sect. 22.4, I identify recent international trends with regard to HLT programmes, assess the position of the Dutch language, and the prospects for funding of programmes and projects that are natural successors to the STEVIN programme. I also make some suggestions to government administrations for future policy actions. In Sect. 22.5, I summarise the major conclusions of this chapter. 22.2 Results of the STEVIN Programme In this section we briefly and globally discuss the results of the STEVIN programme and its impact on HLT for the Dutch language in the Low Countries. More details about the results of the STEVIN programme can be found in Chap. 1, page 1. It is clear from this book that the main objectives of the STEVIN programme have been achieved. Firstly, an effective digital language infrastructure for Dutch, J. Odijk () UiL-OTS,