Punjabi Language Interface to Database: a brief review

TL;DR

This paper reviews natural language interfaces to databases, focusing on developing a Punjabi language interface to improve usability for Punjabi speakers in various e-governance applications.

Contribution

It provides an overview of NLIDB components, approaches, and techniques, and discusses the development and future prospects of a Punjabi language database interface.

Findings

Punjabi language interface can facilitate easier access to e-governance services.

Overview of NLIDB components and techniques relevant to Punjabi.

Potential for future enhancements in Punjabi NLIDB systems.

Abstract

Unlike most user-computer interfaces, a natural language interface allows users to communicate fluently with a computer system with very little preparation. Databases are often hard to use in cooperating with the users because of their rigid interface. A good NLIDB allows a user to enter commands and ask questions in native language and then after interpreting respond to the user in native language. For a large number of applications requiring interaction between humans and the computer systems, it would be convenient to provide the end-user friendly interface. Punjabi language interface to database would proof fruitful to native people of Punjab, as it provides ease to them to use various e-governance applications like Punjab Sewa, Suwidha, Online Public Utility Forms, Online Grievance Cell, Land Records Management System,legacy matters, e-District, agriculture, etc. Punjabi is the mother tongue of more than 110 million people all around the world. According to available information, Punjabi ranks 10th from top out of a total of 6,900 languages recognized internationally by the United Nations. This paper covers a brief overview of the Natural language interface to database, its different components, its advantages, disadvantages, approaches and techniques used. The paper ends with the work done on Punjabi language interface to database and future enhancements that can be done.