Appen is a language technology solutions and consulting firm, recognized as a global leader in the quality, range and caliber of its expertise. We are focused on helping our clients reach international markets by leveraging our expertise in over 150 languages and dialects. Our clients are among the world’s top internet search engine and voice recognition providers.
Job Description
Appen is looking for a Linguist native speaker of Igbo. The main duties include checking phonemic pronunciations of Igbo words, doing small amounts of translation, checking some linguistic materials, and providing relevant linguistic expertise.
Project Information:
Location: Remote, Global
Hours: Commitment of approximately 10 hours per week, depending on the tasks required. Please note that the work may be sporadic at times but we will do our best to give you fair warning of any changes to the workflow and timelines.
Length: Start within the next month, ongoing for the next 6-12 months.
Tasks:
A Lexicon is an electronic pronunciation dictionary (in text format) consisting of phonetic representations of all words transcribed from audio files in a SDB. The lexicons also include syllable boundaries and stress or tone mark-up. They also usually include variant pronunciations, dialectal or regional variation and can include additional labeling indicating ‘foreign word’, ‘Proper Name’, ‘acronym’, ‘homonym’, etc.
– Creating documents to describe the language for the purpose of language technology development and assisting with resolution of any spelling standardization or dialectal variation issues in the language.
– The majority of the linguist’s time will be spent checking and correcting transcriptions of words in phonetic script.
– Training in Appen processes will be provided.
Qualification and Experience
Requirements:
– Must have a background in linguistics and a familiarity with the language, at the level of a fluent native speaker.
– Specific linguistic background should be geared towards phonetics and phonology, and as such the candidate should be familiar with the IPA.
– Native speaker of Igbo, in particular Owerri, Onitsha and Ngwa dialects.
– Fluent in English.
– Able to read and write in Standard Igbo.
– Able to type the Igbo alphabet into Firefox web browsers
– Able to make decisions on spelling (with the assistance of another linguist).
– Good typing and computer skills.
– Must have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection with the latest versions of Firefox, Java and Flash Player.
– Access to Microsoft Word, MS Excel
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
– Masters or PhD in Linguistics
– Specialty in Phonetics or Phonology
– Experience with correcting phonetic transcriptions for speech technology
