NACLO 2011 — North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad

University of Wisconsin–Madison site

 

Weather update

Feb 1, 3pm: Unfortunately, we have decided to cancel the UW-Madison NACLO site due to a forecast of bad weather tomorrow. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to see you next year!

What is NACLO?

NACLO, the North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad, is a contest in which high-school students solve linguistic puzzles. In solving the problems, students learn about the diversity and consistency of language, while exercising logic skills. No prior knowledge of linguistics or second languages is necessary. Professionals in linguistics, computational linguistics and language technologies use dozens of languages to create engaging problems that represent cutting edge issues in their fields. The competition has attracted top students to study and work in those same fields. It is an opportunity for young people to experience a taste of natural-language processing in the 21st century.

This year, the University of Wisconsin–Madison will be a local site. The open round of the contest will take place on Wednesday, February 2. Well-performing students will be invited to a second round to be held on March 10. The top students in the second round will have a chance to participate in the 9th International Linguistics Olympiad, held this year for the first time in the United States. More information about NACLO can be found at the the official site.

Registration

Participation is free. Students who are interested can register at the NACLO registration site.

Where is the UW-Madison site?

The UW-Madison site will be located in the Computer Sciences building at 1210 W. Dayton St., Madison, WI 53706 (map), room 1240.

Absolutely no food or drink is allowed in room 1240.

When should I arrive?

The contest starts at 9 am sharp and goes until 12 noon on Wednesday, February 2. Please arrive early, at about 8:30 am.

Sample questions

Some sample questions for practice are available here.

Local organizers

Please contact us if you have questions:
  • Nate Fillmore (nathanaecs.wisc.edu)
  • Ben Snyder (bsnydercs.wisc.edu)
  • Jerry Zhu (jerryzhucs.wisc.edu)
    		• Important dates

    Wednesday, February 2 (2011)
    NACLO Open Competition (first round)

    Thursday, March 10 (2011)
    NACLO Invitational (second round)