What is NACLO?
NACLO (North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition) is a national competition for students in grades 6-12. You’ll get to solve puzzles about language for a chance to win a spot to represent the US in the International Linguistics Olympiad. No prior knowledge of linguistics or a second language is necessary!
What is computational linguistics?
Computational linguistics (or CL) is the science of understanding human language using logic, computer algorithms, and math. It is all around us! You use CL whenever you use Google, Facebook, Twitter, and many other websites and applications. Here are some examples of computational linguistics in action.
How do I register?
Registration is done through the national website here. Registration is free for all high school and middle school students.
When is it?
Practice session
A “Puzzles, Pizza, and Prizes” practice and informational session will be held at JHU to prepare students for the NACLO competition the week before the first round.
When: Saturday, January 13, 2024.
Where: Stieff Silver Building, JHU HLTCOE
RSVP: Email us here to RSVP (so there is enough pizza). All welcome!
First round competition (open to all)
When: Thursday, January 25, 2024.
Where: Stieff Silver Building, JHU HLTCOE
Register: Click here to register.
Second round competition (invitational)
If you advance past the first round, you will be invited to participate in the Invitational Round, which will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
International Linguistics Olympiad
Winners of the invitational round (approximately 8 students from around the country) are invited to represent the United States in the International Linguistic Olympiad, which will be held in July 2024 in Brasília, Brazil.
More Information
Please also check the NACLO national organization website for more information, including how to register, and resources for practicing for the competition.