Prospects for speech technology in the Oceania region

The development of speech technology in the Oceania region is an issue for Australian speech scientists and technologists. In this paper we examine both the issues that govern the development of speech technology anywhere, the specific opportunities and inhibiting factors of the Oceania region, and the role that Australia, as the largest and most prosperous nation of the region, can have in the process. The necessary scientific resources required to establish both basic and more sophisticated speech technology are reviewed and mapped against the characteristics of the Oceania region. It is concluded that the most productive approach is likely to be one of creative partnership with the many island communities such that technology may be developed in a cost-effective and culturally sensitive manner.