Language Classifier

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Train the model:

• Training: The data file on which the model gets trained

• Output: The name of the file that will contain the trained model as a pickle object.

• Type: Type of model training; For decision trees put "dt"; For ada-boosted stumps put "ada"

• Testing: The file on which the model is tested for parameter tuning/best tree depth

    python3 train.py <Training> <Output> <Type> <Testing>
  

Test the model:

• Model: filename of the model generated by train.py

• Data: The datafile for predicting the classifications

    python3 predict.py <Model> <Data>
  

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Features Selected:

I have selected all the features based on the most recurring words present in that language. I tried using average length of words, grammar, sentence construction, alphabets used, and frequency of alphabets.

All these features failed to provide accurate classifications.

<e.g.> For frequency of alphabets, in Dutch: E, N, A are most frequently used alphabets; whereas for English it is E, T, A. This was a poor differentiator.

For average word length, both languages have a similar curve. Spike up between 3-4. This too, was a poor differentiator.

For sentence make-up and grammar; it was difficult to find the proper nouns-adjectives-pronouns etc. in the sentence.

Dutch does not have rules like English and some sentences fail to provide right answers. Hence, the features I selected were based on most common words used in their vernacular.

1. Check if the sentence contains “the” : It’s the most common word in English language.
2. Check if the sentence contains “het” or “de” : It’s Dutch equivalent for “THE”
3. Check if the sentence contains “and”
4. Check if the sentence contains “ik” : Dutch equivalent of ‘I’
5. Check if the sentence contains “een” : Dutch equivalent of ‘A’
6. Check if the sentence contains “en” : Dutch equivalent of ‘AND’
7. Check if the sentence contains “he” or “she” : Used in most conversations and third person sentences
8. Check if the sentence contains “hij” or “ze” or “zij” : Dutch equivalent of ‘HE / SHE’
9. Check if the sentence contains “van” : Dutch equivalent of ‘FROM/OF/BY’
10. Check if the sentence contains “a” : The English alphabet ‘a’.

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Algorithms used:

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For Decision Trees:

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For Ada-boosted stumps:

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