Abstract: The present invention relates to a block toy for learning a foreign language. The block toy for learning a foreign language includes word cards which have one or more geometrically-shaped coupling means and also words written thereon, and grammar blocks which have one or more geometrically-shaped corresponding coupling means that corresponds to the coupling means of the word cards and also have word card receiving portions for receiving the word cards, wherein the coupling means of the word cards and the corresponding coupling means are fitted together in the word card receiving portions, and thus the word cards are inserted into the grammar blocks.

Abstract: A language teaching material customizing system is provided in which a user can customize a language teaching material content freely. Specifically, the language teaching material customizing system of the present invention includes a client apparatus which produces customization data and a server apparatus which produces language teaching material content data. The server apparatus includes a storage section which stores an original sentence text, a translation sentence text, an original sentence sound source, a translation sentence sound source and a segment sound, and a control section which produces the language teaching material content data based on the customization data. The client apparatus includes a display section which displays a customization screen, an input section which receives an input from the user, and a control section which produces the customization data based on the input of the user.

Abstract: A language learning system including a storage module, a feature extraction module, and an assessment and diagnosis module is provided. The storage module stores training data and an assessment decision tree generated according to the training data. The feature extraction module extracts pronunciation features of a pronunciation given by a language learner. The assessment and diagnosis module identifies a diagnosis path corresponding to the pronunciation of the language learner in the assessment decision tree and outputs feedback information corresponding to the diagnosis path. Thereby, the language learning system can assess and provide feedback information regarding words, phrases or sentences pronounced by the language learner.

Abstract: Portable, real time voice translation systems, and associated methods of use, are provided. The systems include a translation system for use on a single unit, portable computing device and operable for accessing a multilanguage database, selecting a source language from a plurality of source languages and a destination language from a plurality of destination languages, inputting a source phrase, transmitting the source phrase to a speech recognition module, a translation engine, and a template look-up engine for finding the phrase template associated with the destination phrase from among the multiple languages. The spoken translation is then output in the selected destination language. The translation system has a total time between the input of the source phrase and output of the destination phrase that is no slower than 0.010 seconds, and a communications interface operable for communicating with a second computer system.

Abstract: The current document discloses computer-based methods and systems that employ mnemonics for teaching foreign languages to students of foreign languages. The currently disclosed computer-based and mnemonics-based language learning system is, in the described implementation, a distributed computational system that provides a collaborative computational environment in which students of foreign languages create, edit, discuss, and use mnemonics-based dictionaries and language-learning resources.

Abstract: A system and method for encouraging communication in different languages over a secured network that connects social circles (e.g., schools, kindergartens, etc.) and remote participants who are engaged in learning from each other's native languages as foreign languages are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-based language immersion teaching systems, products, programs, and methods for learners aged about 3 to about 10 years comprising a digital processing device and a computer program that creates a language immersion teaching environment, wherein said environment comprises a plurality of learning activities associated with a target language, and wherein said plurality of activities comprises: at least one learning activity based on a taxonomy of phonemes; at least one learning activity selected from: songs, chants, books, poems, puzzles, games, art activities, and printable activities; voiceover audio in said target language; and a software module for recording said learner's pronunciation and comparing it to one or more model pronunciations.

Abstract: Provided is a speed reading book for learning Chinese characters, which enables students to learn various Chinese characters while receiving speed reading training by writing figures in Chinese characters, the speed reading book including: study pages that include: a training element for the enlargement of a perceptible visual field; and an element for utilizing Chinese radicals. According to the speed reading book for learning Chinese characters of the invention described herein, since the students may repetitively perform training for seeing a Chinese radical which is the basis for studying Chinese and relevant Chinese characters whose radical is a Chinese radical in a lump, the students can have an enlarged visual perception field, can strengthen their concentration and reading ability, and can remember the Chinese characters for a long time because the Chinese radicals of the relevant Chinese characters are acquired as images through repetitive studying.

Abstract: I disclose processes and methods that by combining pictures in specific ways could boost, enforce, and optimize language learning. Herein I disclose the combination of several pictures all of them related to the same word in order to elicit said word in the observer. Also, by showing a word together with several photos, and by having to choose the photo/s related to the word, the observer can enforce the word learning process. Moreover, I describe the replacement headers of classical multi-choice questions with a photograph. I also show that by intermingling pictures and words, photos can become language units in the same token as conventional words. Finally as a practical embodiment of this method, I provide a game that can be both entertaining and educational.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and products for language learning that automatically extracts keywords from resources using various natural-language processing product features, which can be combined with custom-designed learning activities to offer a needs-based, adaptive learning methodology. The system may receive resources having text and then determine a text difficulty score that predicts how difficult the resource is for language learners based on any number of factors, including any number of semantic and syntactic features of the text. Training resources labeled with metadata may be used to train a statistical model for determining difficulty scores of newly received text. Resources may be grouped based on difficulty score, and groups of resources may correspond to language learners' proficiency levels.

Abstract: In a communication between individuals having different levels of skill in a language, communication by the more skilled individual is controlled so as to keep it at a level understandable by the lesser skilled individual. For example, a native speaker's communication with a student learning his language (the target language) is monitored by an interface and compared with a stored model representing the student's knowledge and ability in the language. Should the native speaker communicate in a way that would not be understood by the student, for example, by using vocabulary or a sentence structure beyond the student's ability, the interface will notify the native speaker. The interface might then suggest an alternate word or sentence structure to the native speaker, inviting him to use the alternate communication. The native speaker can then substitute and send the alternate communication.

Abstract: The method includes receiving, from a user, a first speech input spoken in a first language; inferring a user intent based on at least the first speech input in the first language; based on the inferred user intent, generating one or more alternative expressions of the first speech input in the first language; and providing feedback to the user introducing the alternative expressions as a more preferred input to express the inferred user intent than the first speech input provided by the user.

Abstract: A linguistic phrase including a plurality of adjacently positioned characters arranged in a first sequence may be displayed. A first command may be received to obscure the linguistic phrase by separating the plurality of adjacently positioned characters into constituent characters In response to receiving the first command, the constituent characters may be displayed separate from each other to obscure the linguistic phrase. A second command may be received to combine at least two of the constituent characters to form a particular linguistic phrase including a number of adjacently positioned characters arranged in a particular sequence. Validity of the particular linguistic phrase may be evaluated. Upon determining that the particular linguistic phrase is valid, the particular linguistic phrase may be displayed including the number of adjacently positioned characters arranged in the particular sequence.

Abstract: A method of providing a language learning environment comprises accessing media content, and identifying a number of content objects associated within the media instance. An apparatus for providing a language learning environment, comprises a processor, and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, in which the memory comprises of metadata for the media, and in which the processor executes computer program instructions to, access media, and identify a number of content objects associated within the media instance. A computer program product for providing a language learning environment comprises a computer readable storage medium comprising computer usable program code embodied therewith, the computer usable program code comprising computer usable program code to, when executed by a processor, access media, computer usable program code to, when executed by the processor, identify a number of content objects associated within a media instance.

Abstract: A composition in the target language is parsed into plural different linguistic components, including sound level, grammar level and at least one functional grammar level component. The linguistic components are then expressed on different facets of an n-sided block device representation system according to predefined sets of rules. The facets of the block device may then be selectively examined by the learner to visualize how the target language functions to express the composition with respect to the way sounds, grammar and functional grammar are used. The block device representation system may be computer-implemented, rendering the facets on display panels associated with physical blocks, or as computer-generated images upon a display device.

Abstract: A novel keyboard made up vowel daisies is used to learn to read, write and spell in English. A story is presented in which a specific set of words that can be generated emphasized. Upon hearing the story, a user enters a response which is received by the device when the specific word is highlighted in the story. A letter configuration, such as a hexagonal ring of letters corresponding to the specific word is displayed on the device. A phonic data relating to a letter in the specific word is manifested at the same time as another characteristic or attribute of the letter, specifically the shape of the letter, is also displayed or manifested to the user. These are done concurrently with displaying the letter configuration that corresponds to the word, wherein the letters are all in the same daisy array.

Abstract: The language-based video game places a player avatar into a game environment contained within a display field following a story narrative or an adventure for completing an objective. The gameplay reinforces pronunciation and writing of a given language. The display field includes a minor head graphic, as can be highlighted text in the given language, interactive text objects, and can include a control icon and a progress icon. The minor head graphic is a representation of a human head, or portion thereof, animated to show pronunciation of the highlighted text. As the player progresses through the game, the player encounters the interactive text objects that, upon activation, transform into useful objects for overcoming challenges present in the game environment, the interactive text object being the same as, substantially the same as, or corresponding to the highlighted text. Avatar movement and interactions are controlled through a control scheme via an interface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-based language immersion teaching systems, products, programs, and methods comprising a digital processing device and a computer program that creates a language immersion teaching environment, wherein said environment comprises: a plurality of learning activities associated with a target language; a software module for providing voiceover audio in said target language; and a software module for providing translation of said voiceover and/or text from said target language to a specified language, wherein said translation is both written and voiced, and wherein said software module for providing translation of voiceover and/or text is adapted for use by a mentor to a learner of said target language.

Abstract: Portable, real time voice translation systems, and associated methods of use, are provided. The systems include a translation system for use on a single unit, portable computing device and operable for accessing a multilanguage database, selecting a source language from a plurality of source languages and a destination language from a plurality of destination languages, inputting a source phrase, transmitting the source phrase to a speech recognition module, a translation engine, and a template look-up engine for finding the phrase template associated with the destination phrase from among the multiple languages. The spoken translation is then output in the selected destination language. The translation system has a total time between the input of the source phrase and output of the destination phrase that is no slower than 0.010 seconds, and a communications interface operable for communicating with a second computer system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for teaching a user a non-native language include creating models representing phonological errors in the non-native language and generating with the models non-native pronunciations for a native pronunciation. The non-native pronunciations may be used for detecting phonological errors in an utterance spoken in the non-native language by the user. The models can include a native to non-native phone translation model and a non-native phone language model.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-based language immersion teaching systems, products, programs, and methods for learners aged about 3 to about 10 years comprising a digital processing device and a computer program that creates a language immersion teaching environment, wherein said environment comprises a plurality of learning activities associated with a target language, and wherein said plurality of activities comprises: at least one learning activity based on a taxonomy of phonemes; at least one learning activity selected from: songs, chants, books, poems, puzzles, games, art activities, and printable activities; voiceover audio in said target language; and a software module for recording said learner's pronunciation and comparing it to one or more model pronunciations.

Abstract: A method for creating a combined character in a Chinese character learning game includes a first step of creating a portion representing a pronunciation of a combined character as a graphic character; a second step of a portion representing a meaning of the combined character as an additional graphic character(s); and a third step of disposing the graphic character(s) representing the meaning and the graphic character representing the pronunciation according to the positional relationship of the combined character. In the method, a graphic character of the combined character is formed by combining the two or more graphic characters.

Abstract: EEG-based acceleration of second language learning is accomplished by measuring via single-trial EEG a learner's cognitive response to the presentation (visual or auditory) of language learning materials and updating a user model of latent traits related to language-learning skills in accordance with the cognitive response. The user model is suitably updated with each trial, each trial being triggered by learner fixation on a portion of visual materials and/or a next phoneme in auditory materials. Additional discrimination may be achieved through the use of saccades or fixation duration features.

Abstract: Teaching material generation methods and systems to generate teaching material for language learning are provided. The system comprises a plurality of social circumstances, a plurality of contextual situations, a user interface and a processing module. The user interface receives a selection corresponding to at least one of the social circumstances, and a selection corresponding to at least one of the contextual situations. The processing module generates teaching material according to the selected social circumstance and the selected contextual situation.

Abstract: A method for computer program for studying a foreign language, which includes an algorithm that automatically generates words, word conjugations, word combination, sentences and texts in the relevant foreign language to provide the learner with a wide variety of words, word conjugations, word combinations, sentences and texts that may be used to practice the language.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and related systems for teaching pictographic languages are disclosed. The touchscreen of a touchscreen keyboard displays the pictographic characters to be learned by a user. The characters can be, e.g., several hundred of the most commonly used characters in that language. The characters are grouped into regions, with each region having characters with similar pronunciations, e.g., a similar first sound. The locations of the regions correspond to the locations of similar sounding letters in a QWERTY keyboard. The characters on the keyboard can be learned one at a time. Region and character selection by a user and/or drills from a learning program allow the user to associate a character with its meaning and usage. Advantageously, the characters and their locations on the keyboard can be standardized, which allows the user to quickly find a character and learn its meaning by a combination of memorization and muscle-memory.

Abstract: A learning system and a method adapted to personalize language learning to individual users. An output device generates and presents learning related data to a user associated with a user ID. An input mechanism receives, in response to the learning related data, response data from the user indicating the users response to the learning related data. A processor associates the learning related data to the response data to couple the response from the user to the learning related data. A database including a storage space associated to the user ID is used for storing the learning related and the associated response data and generates an individualized language knowledge database for the user. The processor is adapted to issue a true (tl) or false (fl) learning related data indicators indicating whether the response data matches the learning related data presented to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-based language immersion teaching systems, products, programs, and methods comprising a digital processing device and a computer program that creates a language immersion teaching environment, wherein said environment comprises: a plurality of learning activities associated with a target language; a software module for providing voiceover audio in said target language; and a software module for providing translation of said voiceover and/or text from said target language to a specified language, wherein said translation is both written and voiced, and wherein said software module for providing translation of voiceover and/or text is adapted for use by a mentor to a learner of said target language.

Abstract: A method for learning a foreign language using a learning aid is provided. The learning aid includes a reading manual having a plurality of pages organized into a number of sections which are read in an orderly fashion in order to facilitate incremental advancement and masterfulness concerning the learning of a target language. The method involves building an active foreign language alphabet and language as it is done naturally in user's native language. The learning aid further includes an interactive-based, task-oriented system integrated into software for upload onto a computer.

Abstract: A system for conditioning a child to learn any language without an accent, contains a memory and a processor configured by the memory to perform the steps of: separating from a full International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) set, a native language IPA, resulting in a derivative set, wherein the native language is at least one native language of the child; sequencing the derivative set according to aspects of the derivative set, wherein aspects are selected from the group including consonants, vowels, and tones, resulting in a sequenced derivative set; selecting words in foreign languages that use at least one aspect of the sequenced derivative set each; embedding the selected words in an easy to follow format, in the native language of the child; and playing the easy to follow format with the embedded words according to the prior determined sequence of the sequenced derivative set.

Abstract: A technique for facilitating language instruction employs speech recognition technology to convert spoken content from a teacher in a target language to corresponding text in the target language, substantially in real time, and to project the converted text for viewing by the students. Students are thus able both to hear the spoken content from the teacher and to see the corresponding text, thus enjoying a multi-sensory, intralingual language learning experience that combines both listening and reading.

Abstract: A web-based educational system comprising at least one area of skill, interest, or expertise, a plurality of activities associated with each area of skill, interest, or expertise, and at least three navigational modes, wherein the navigational modes comprise a sequenced navigational mode, a guided navigational mode, and an independent navigational mode. Optionally, the learner can switch between available navigational modes.

Abstract: A two-model personalized language learning system and method that facilitates the learning of a new language (or a language not native to the learner) in a customizable way that is deeply personalized to the learner. Embodiments of the system and method define a learner model including personalized information about the learner and define a language model that describes language information specific to the language. A combination of the learner model and the language model are used to help the learner learn the language. Specifically, the learner and language models are used to create content for flashcards that are displayed to the learner. Responses from the learner are used to update both the learner and language models. Embodiments of the system and method also allow the learner to play skill-based games that teach and reinforce a particular language skill that the learner desires to master.

Abstract: A language learning system and method for facilitating learning of a foreign language by a human reader having relative fluency in a familiar language.

Abstract: A language learning method utilizing an interactive electronic book. The interactive book may display two identical pages, one page displaying text in the user's native language and the corresponding page displaying the appropriate translation in the target language. Selection of native-language text results in hearing the material as it normally or casually spoken in the target language. Illustrations may supplement the text and reinforce understanding of the depicted actions.

Abstract: The system platform and methods of the present disclosure brings the dual language concept to electronic books in a manner enhanced for both visual and aural learners. A method can include creating a correspondence between a first language text and a second language text. The method can include creating a correspondence between the first language text and an audio recording of the first language text. The method can include generating a dual language electronic book file comprising the first language text, the second language text, the correspondence between the first language text and the second language text, and the correspondence between the first language text and the audio recording of the first language text. An application for electronic book reading devices displays the text while playing the audio recording, maximizing the number of fragments of the first and second language texts based on one or more display variables.

Abstract: A method of supporting vocabulary and language learning by positioning at least one microphone so as to capture speech in the listening environment of a learner. The microphone is monitored to develop a speech signal. The speech signal is analyzed to determine at least one characteristic of the speech or vocalization, wherein the characteristic indicates a qualitative or quantitative feature of the speech. The determined characteristic is compared to a preselected standard or such characteristic is tracked to show growth over time and the comparison or growth is reported to the person associated with the speech signal or person who potentially can affect the language environment of the learner.

Abstract: Techniques for providing a translation environment interface to a user are disclosed herein. The techniques include receiving a message template to be translated, the message template including a text portion and one or more template placeholders, parsing the message template to identify the text portion and the template placeholders, generating non-editable objects corresponding to the template placeholders and generating a display message template by replacing each of the one or more template placeholders with its corresponding non-editable object in the message template, the display message template including the text portion to be translated. The techniques further include providing the display message template to a user device and receiving a translated display message template from the user device, the translated message including a translated text portion and the one or more non-editable objects.

Abstract: System and method for developing cognitive skills in a student, utilizing a computing device to present stimuli and to record responses. A stimulus may be graphically presented to the student via the computing device, and the student may be required to respond to the stimulus. A determination may then be made as to the correctness of the student's response. The graphically presenting, requiring, and determining may be performed for each of a plurality of stimuli. Additionally, the graphically presenting, requiring, determining, and performing may be performed in an iterative manner to improve the cognitive skills of the student. Various exercises directed to different cognitive skills and learning approaches may utilize this basic framework, and may be performed in an iterative manner to build cognitive skills in the student.

Abstract: Latin-derived letters may be converted into Arabic letters by performing processing associated with causing, with a display module in communication with a processor circuit and a display, the display to display a wheel comprising a Latin-derived letter and a corresponding Arabic letter; performing processing associated with receiving, with a UI module in communication with the processor circuit and an input device, a selection of a Latin-derived letter via the input device; and performing processing associated with causing, with the display module, the display to display an Arabic letter corresponding to the Latin-derived letter in a window on the wheel.

Abstract: A method for the computer-assisted learning of orthography, the method includes executing by a data processing system the steps of retrieving a main set of words from a data storage; retrieving an error data set associated with said main set of words from the data storage and repeatedly executing the steps of selecting a word to prompt the user with, by computing, for each word from the error data set, a statistic measure related to the probability of an error occurring in the word, and selecting the word which has the maximum value of the statistic measure; prompting the user with the word; accepting a user input specifying a sequence of symbols; comparing the user input with the word and updating and storing the error data set.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a method for learning a foreign language using a variety of media such as audio-video, audio, and written media. The diverse embodiments of the invention allow the student to learn a foreign language in an accelerated manner that creates a stress-free environment and lowers a student's effective barrier to learning a foreign language. In various embodiments of the invention, the foreign language is taught using audio-video media. The video presents a movie or television presentation. Meanwhile, the original audio portion is replaced with an audio track, which is developed using the principles of the invention. The audio comprises the “phrases or complete thoughts” of the original video that are segmented and presented in alternating sections of native and foreign language.

Abstract: Learning a language and speaking a language are two completely different processes which are in no way related. Learning a language is cognitive, linking it to cause and effect, reasoning, and intelligence. Speaking a language is not cognitive and therefore is in no way related to cause and effect, reasoning, and intelligence. Physical barriers must be eliminated to prevent students from abandoning second language programs. The learning expectations of students must be corrected in order to remove physical speech impediments and prevent them from re-appearing. D-BLOK presents the environment of a very small child to facilitate the understanding of the student that the action of speaking is not cognitive. It is a teaching method that creates an environment to facilitate oral communication for: People beginning to speak a second language, people lacking confidence in speaking a second language, people with oral communication problems in first or second language.

Abstract: A system for conditioning a child to learn any language without an accent, contains a memory and a processor configured by the memory to perform the steps of: separating from a full International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) set, a native language IPA, resulting in a derivative set, wherein the native language is at least one native language of the child; sequencing the derivative set according to aspects of the derivative set, wherein aspects are selected from the group including consonants, vowels, and tones, resulting in a sequenced derivative set; selecting words in foreign languages that use at least one aspect of the sequenced derivative set each; embedding the selected words in an easy to follow format, in the native language of the child; and playing the easy to follow format with the embedded words according to the prior determined sequence of the sequenced derivative set.

Abstract: The present invention provides assistance for a person to better comprehend the samples of a target language and, simultaneously, it facilitates that the person learns that language better. In order to do that, some special perspectives on those language samples are provided, and those perspectives show in a simple form the internal structure of said samples. All this will facilitate the person the assimilation of the structure and meaning of those language samples. The invention is based on two facts. First, linguistic research has show that language comprehension depends on the assimilation of the internal structure of the messages that are received. Second, language learning require the learner to comprehend messages of that language in order to be able to develop the competence to associate meaning and form.

Abstract: A system and method for transliteration between two different character-based languages is provided. In some embodiments, the system and method provide transliteration from the Arabic language into Roman-based languages such as English. In some embodiments this system and method allows a user to more easily produce Arabic text on English or Roman-based computer hardware and software.

Abstract: To help young children and other individuals learn a language while playing and having fun a novel card or device is presented that includes, on one side, a word in a first (e.g., non-English) language on its surface along with a pronunciation guide associated with the word and an image of the word, and on an opposite side a translation (e.g., into English) of the word along with a pronunciation guide associated with the word. The device may also include means to secure it to a physical object similar to that shown in the image.

Abstract: An on-line, computerized, software-driven system provides writing assessment of submitted essays with instructional feedback. The feedback incorporates comments and prompts provided to the user which are generated in response to the assessment evaluation of written text. Skill level and developmental level comments, remarks and prompts on various genre specific domain areas are provided in a real-time mode or in a request response mode, as elected by the user. Assessment and scores are provided by machine methods driven by a software engine. All appropriate comments and prompts are generated to the user by analysis logic software operating on a database of genre specific, educationally acceptable comments and prompts.

Abstract: A method of operating a computer to perform linguistic analysis includes the steps of splitting an input text into words and sentences; for each sentence, comparing phrases in the sentence with known phrases stored in a database, as follows: for each word in the sentence, comparing its value and values of words following it with values of words of stored phrases, starting with the longest stored phrase that starts with that word, and working from longest to shortest; in the event a match is found for two or more consecutive words, and considering the words around the phrase, labelling the matched phrase with an overphrase that describes the grammar use of the matched phrase; after the penultimate word has been compared, recasting the sentence by replacing the matched phrases by their respective overphrases; and then repeating the comparison process with the recast sentence until there is no further recasting.

Abstract: A computerized method of language instruction which relies on language annotated video, such as popular third party videos which may be downloaded or streamed from third party servers or other sources. Here the language instruction service will generate instruction scripts containing native language text and translated text of the video, along with various computer instructions. This instruction script may then be read by script interpreter software which may run within a web browser. The system can interpret user GUI commands, such as mouse hovering commands to control playback of the third party video and annotate this playback with various language instruction tools and games.