Finite-state parsing of Cayuga morphology

Abstract

This paper presents a detailed description of the design and implementation of a computerized morphological segmentation tool for Cayuga nouns. Speakers of polysynthetic First Nations languages are presented with an array of difficulties when it comes to word segmentation and dictionary access. This program demonstrates that finite-state techniques are applicable to these morphologically complex languages and are worth further study and development in order to create useful tools for speakers and learners of thesis languages.