Method of adding vocabulary to a speech recognition system

In a computer speech recognition system, a system for adding new vocabulary by using language model statistics corresponding to an existing vocabulary word, comprising:

• means for receiving a first user input identifying a first word for which no language model statistics exist in said speech recognition system, said first word for inclusion within the existing vocabulary of said speech recognition system;
• means for recalling from a computer memory, language model statistics for a second word in response to a second user input identifying said second word for which said language model statistics exist in said speech recognition system;
• and,
• means for automatically creating language model statistics for said first word by duplicating said language model statistics of said second word and replacing each occurrence of said second word in said duplicated language model statistics with said first word.

A machine readable stored thereon a computer program having a plurality of code sections executable by a machine for causing the machine to perform the steps of:

• receiving a first user input identifying a first word for which no language model statistics exist in said speech recognition system, said first word for inclusion within the existing vocabulary of said speech recognition system;
• in response to a second user input identifying a second word for which language model statistics exist in said speech recognition system, recalling from a computer memory said language model statistics for said second word;
• and,
• automatically creating language model statistics for said first word by duplicating said language model statistics of said second word and replacing each occurrence of said second word in said duplicated language model statistics with said first word.