With the title
Context-specific translations at a single click, Carlos explained the Semantix technology, the reason for it and how it is used on training platforms (Avanzo is currently using Semantix technology on its online training platforms).
He started by presenting
Dixio as the first context-specific dictionary technology: Dixio is not only a dictionary... it contains more than 100 dictionaries and 23 million definitions. What makes Dixio different is that it is context-specific. It understand the context. It searches for a word’s most appropriate definition or translation within its context, and it does this on PCs, websites, e-readers or tablets.
What does context-specific mean? Carlos Martín answered this question with an example: María se casa en su casa, a Spanish phrase in which the word "casa" means two different things ('gets married' – verb – and 'house' – noun). Computers see the same ones and zeros in the first "casa" as in the second. Human beings understand it thanks to experience and the context. But a computer uses statistical techniques and computational linguistics. In specialized training, finance, engineering, construction... Dixio distinguishes between the different meanings of words.
The presentation continued with a slide of the Prisa 2006 Report showing that, although it is important for children to read, it is even more important for them to understand what they are reading. “If there is a word that you don’t understand, you won’t be able to understand the sentence it is in”,-said Carlos, who added that “The Dixio technology that we use on Avanzo platforms helps to increase students’ comprehension, whether they are 12 years old or 50, helping them to apply what they learn in their professions”.
He ended by presenting a study by the
Wall Street Journal about the evolution of the middle classes in the US, showing a drop in family wellbeing. This drop was related to teaching changes. Less importance is being given to knowledge of words and vocabulary. “This comprehension of words in the context in which they are used is what makes someone more capable of doing a job and prospering… Adaptative learning uses technologies to interact with what is being studied. Our Dixio dictionary technology is interactive; it provides a translation or definition adapted to the context. You interact without being distracted”.
About Avanzo: leader in the distance learning sector, which has added Dixio Desktop, one of the versions of the Semantix smart dictionary, to its training platforms. Avanzo thus satisfies it goal of always providing users with the best possible solutions.
About Semantix. Established by Mikel Urizarbarrena. After 7 years of research and development in language technology, Semantix has created a large variety of computer tools for reading and writing better, such as: Dixio Desktop, a context-specific dictionary for PC, and Dixio ForWeb, a dictionary for websites. Semantix also supplies semantic solutions for manufacturers of electronic devices, and reading applications such as eDix (dictionary digitization and sale service), DixioeReader Solution (dictionary management technology for electronic devices) and Semantix Enhanced Book (semi-automatic language enhancement service for epubs).
