Abstract: Techniques for language instruction and teaching are described. Methods focus on the sound distinctions that learners have trouble discriminating. Learners practice discriminating these sounds. A learning system is developed using databases of speech from people discriminating these sounds. An embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure can utilize sets of words that differ by only a single syllable containing a sound that is difficult to pronounce, as a way to teach the pronunciation of a word. The sets of similar words can be of a desired number or have a desired number of constituent members. Embodiments of systems can include user interfaces and a automated speech recognition system, including suitable automated speech recognition software, that can interact with a user, e.g., in a pedagogical setting. Related software products including computer-readable instructions resident in a computer-readable medium are described. HMM and DTW algorithms may be used for the embodiments.

Abstract: A character programming and control system and method for programming and controlling a virtual character during a social simulation, a character programming method for programming the actions of a virtual character, and a system and method for developing social skills of a user.

Abstract: Providing an interactive environment that requires a user to exercise one or more social skills to achieve a goal, and generating a simulation progress report indicative of the success of the user's exercise of the social skills during the interactive social simulation in a plurality of separate categories that are each related to the one or more social skills based on the user's interaction with the interactive environment.

Abstract: Language learning systems and methods may be provided. An interactive lesson module may be provided. The interactive lesson module may be configured to provide an interactive language lesson that prompts a user to repeat, translate, or define words or phrases, or to provide words corresponding to images, at a controllable difficulty level. An interactive social simulation module may be provided. The interactive social simulation module may be configured to provide an interactive environment that requires the user to use the language to communicate with a virtual character to achieve a goal at a controllable difficulty level. A learner model module may be provided. The learner model may be configured to control the difficulty level of the interactive language lesson and the interactive social simulation based on a lesson progress report and a simulation progress report.