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Dictation is the process of converting language from spoken format to written format. This process is usually carried out manually, that is, a human being listens to speech and then either handwrites or types the equivalent text. Dictation systems are computer based automatic speech recognition systems that are meant to automate this process. Ideally, a dictation system should improve significantly on the speed of the transcription and also reduce the number of errors that occur. Dictation systems are language specific. This is because each language has different words which are used to form the sentences in that language. In spite of this, the techniques used to implement dictation systems for different languages are largely the same. This book is describes the work done in developing a prototype dictation system for the Kiswahili language. The implementations of the speech recognition front-end, the acoustic model, the Viterbi algorithm for recognition, and an evaluation component are described. The the design of the dictation system and the system test results are also highlighted.

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Miriti K.A. Evans; MSc: Studied Computer Science both undergraduate and Masters Level at the University of Nairobi (Kenya). Now works as a lecturer at the School of Computing and Informatics at the University of Nairobi. Formerly was Assistant IT Manager at Kenya Bureau of Standards.

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