Errors in Maltese spell checker

The decision to release the Maltese spell checker (The Sunday Times, July 7), even in an unfinished state, is not one I took lightly. The main factor which was taken into account is that, at present, there is no alternative whatsoever, and that even in its current form, the spell checker will correctly identify most errors and make accurate suggestions as to the correct spelling of misspelt words.

As anyone who has used a spelling checker will point out, one does not blindly accept the first alternative spelling proposed by a spell checker in any language, but will consider the word and either ignore the error, accept the suggestion, or choose a completely different spelling.

In view of this, I made the spell checker available, with strong emphasis on the fact that it is preliminary, incomplete, and contains errors. The first version, released to a limited audience, was made available last April. Work on it had, of course, started earlier.

The online version, which allows users to check spelling via a Web browser, was created in June in response to many requests by users of operating systems other than Linux.

The words which form part of the spell checker's list are derived from various sources, including the laws and Constitution of Malta and other official texts. Misspelt words in these texts made their way into the spell checker, and are being weeded out. The process of finding and removing these errors is an ongoing one, and the spell checker is frequently updated as incorrect words are removed and new words added.

This spell checker is a voluntary effort and, as such, depends on voluntary contributions to be refined. I find it interesting to note that there were people who went to the trouble of identifying "80,000" misspelt words but, as yet, none of them have taken the logical next step and informed me about them.

I know I am no linguist, and will cheerfully defer to the superior knowledge of these learned academics. I do believe, however, in working for the common good. I therefore make the following appeal: if these teachers and linguists are truly concerned about the quality of this facility, they should send the list of mistakes that they apparently have already identified. All it takes is one e-mail.

With a bit of goodwill on all sides we can provide a decent spell checker which will be available well before the next scholastic year starts. All contributors will, of course, be given due credit.

I understand that many people are unwilling to volunteer their efforts without remuneration, and I respect that position. On the other hand, those who are prepared to voluntarily assist in this effort are more than welcome. As for myself, I conclude with the Maltese expression: Bil-kappell li kelli sellimtlek.