TRANSLATED FROM GERMAN[BR] Whosoever in the course of his Germanistics or linguistics studies has come come upon the simpleminded thought not to be occupied any longer only exclusively with grammars for school teaching or communication models will fast determine, that there exists a whole range of topics which one could work on; however, the literature for them is thinly sown and predominantly in the English language. One of these topics is computer linguistics, and the only useful introductory and German language literature on this topic which I have found so far to explain this is Computer Linguistics and Language Technology, the only one that is both understandable and scientific. What is computer linguistics after all? Computer linguistics concerns itself mainly with the structure and the use of natural speech (like linguistics in general also) and extends classical linguistics with a new field, the application field "language applications" (thus computer programs for the processing of natural speech sounds). Among these kinds of applications fall information retrieval systems, vocabulary and spelling check programs and language learning programs, which are explained in the above-mentioned book with examples and pictures. [BR]Computer linguistics as a discipline places a bridge between classical linguistics, which finds an application rather in the school context, and the rather technological view of natural speech and its uses. A view, which arises partially from the beginnings of computer science (theoretical computer science). The requirements for the student who is considering a career in computer linguistics are formed correspondingly. The fields of logic and mathematics have a clear predominance, and the book takes account of this circumstance by introducing the reader in detail to the "formal basics". The unspoiled reader will be reminded certainly of his more or less good times in mathematics class. This book has nothing much more to do with "language". One notices very fast which role is ascribed to the computer linguist. In a software project he could serve as intermediary between technically thinking workers and coworkers with linguistic backgrounds.
Thus perhaps the student should be interested in both sides of the case and should have programming knowledge ( not compellingly necessarily but it facilitates enormously the handling the topic). The book does not address itself in my opinion to beginners of linguistics. Good basic knowledge of this field is surely meaningful, in order not to be frustrated by this book. Predicate calculus, Turing programming is probably more than enough. The linguistic basics should already be there, in order to be able to appreciate the new aspects. The student who approaches this from the technical side (and is perhaps registered in a computer science course), will find some of the aspects of this book trivial, perhaps as a rehashing of wellknown facts. It is beautiful, this book is generally understandably written. The predominant number of foreign expressions is explained adequately, the theoretical basics are not exhausted in formula fireworks and endless tables. Some examples leave themselves to be easily changed to small exercises, so that one can also educate oneself completely well. For someone who in his language study often thinks about what he really can begin with these unmanageable models and theories, which he gets mediated through the book, then this book is recommended to this person. It extends his own horizon and lets much appear suddenly useful, that one noticed before only as experiment in your thoughts. Perhaps it inspires also to new career aspirations or fields of activity, that the student conceives in the mind''s eye. If the price of 40 euros is not affordable, a visit to the library is also recommended.