Hey there! If you’re a linguistics master’s degree holder looking to break into computational linguistics, you’re not alone. I totally get it – it can be intimidating to dive into a field that’s heavily reliant on computer skills, especially when you don’t have a background in it.
But here’s the thing: you can still do it! With dedication and the right resources, you can develop the skills you need to succeed in comp ling. So, let’s get started.
First off, it’s great that you have a book on Natural Language Processing with Python by Bird et al. Going through that book would be an excellent start, even if you don’t have prior Python knowledge. You can take it slow, and there are plenty of online resources to help you learn Python from scratch.
For an absolute beginner, I’d recommend starting with some online courses or tutorials that teach the basics of programming and Python. Codecademy, Coursera, and edX are great places to start. You can also look into online communities like Reddit’s r/learnpython and r/compling for support and guidance.
Once you have a decent grasp of Python, you can start exploring NLP and comp ling resources. There are plenty of online courses, tutorials, and books that can help you learn the basics of NLP and comp ling.
As for getting entry-level jobs, it might be a bit challenging right now, but it’s not impossible. You can start by looking into internships or volunteer opportunities that can give you hands-on experience in comp ling. You can also consider taking on small projects or contributing to open-source projects to build your portfolio.
Remember, breaking into a new field takes time and effort. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and don’t give up. With persistence and dedication, you can develop the skills you need to succeed in comp ling.