paper

Sawtone: A Universal Framework for Phonetic Similarity and Alignment Across Languages and Scripts

January 1, 2026 · Lingua Posnaniensis, Vol. 67(1) · DOI: 10.14746/linpo.2025.67.1.8
Omar Kamali

Abstract

Introduces a cross-script phonetic alignment framework with modular language-specific adapters. Demonstrates 88% BLEU transliteration and 87–95% phonetic alignment accuracy across language/script pairs. Includes a case study on preprocessing Moroccan Arabic (Darija) for LLM training.

Abstract

This paper introduces Sawtone, a universal framework for computing phonetic similarity and alignment across languages and scripts. The framework employs modular language-specific adapters and demonstrates 88% BLEU transliteration accuracy and 87–95% phonetic alignment accuracy across language/script pairs.

Key Contributions

  • A cross-script phonetic alignment framework with modular language-specific adapters
  • 88% BLEU transliteration accuracy
  • 87–95% phonetic alignment accuracy across language/script pairs
  • Case study on preprocessing Moroccan Arabic (Darija) for LLM training

Citation

Kamali, O. (2025). Sawtone: A Universal Framework for Phonetic Similarity and Alignment Across Languages and Scripts. Lingua Posnaniensis, 67(1), 165–200. https://doi.org/10.14746/linpo.2025.67.1.8

Citation

Kamali, O. (2025). Sawtone: A Universal Framework for Phonetic Similarity and Alignment Across Languages and Scripts. Lingua Posnaniensis, 67(1), 165–200. https://doi.org/10.14746/linpo.2025.67.1.8
PhoneticsTransliterationCross-ScriptNLPLow-Resource LanguagesMoroccan Darija
View Full Paper

Related Research

GenAI for Moroccan Darija: Challenges and Early Results

Conference presentation at the 7th International Congress for Moroccan Arabic, discussing challenges and early results in applying generative AI to Moroccan Darija.

Gherbal: A Multilingual Classifier for Low-Resource Languages

Conference presentation at TIM'24, introducing Gherbal — a multilingual classifier designed for low-resource languages.