Abstract: Realistic conversations are facilitated by a plurality of cards. Each card provides a set of questions and each card provides a cue which prompts facts needed to answer the questions. Each set of questions is ordered by a plurality of prompt classes. The plurality of prompt classes is ordered by how much of the answer form and answer fact is prompted by the prompt class.

Abstract: An article of clothing such as a bib, T-shirt, pants, dress, pajamas, etc. for a baby, toddler, or child having one or more inverted items, for example characters, numbers, diagrams, pictures, letters, designs, figures, or combinations thereof, on the front of the article so that, they appear right-side-up to the infant or toddler wearing the article and up-side-down to the adult or care giver. Such an article can be used to teach a child numbers, letters, pictures, the alphabet, numerical system, and the like while a child is wearing the article. It is believed that by putting the items in the proper orientation for right-side-up viewing by the child, the child may learn more quickly and not be confused when these items are shown right-side-up on the television and in reading materials.

Abstract: A system and method which enables individuals to rapidly and accurately obtain information about the contents of a written text without having to read the words of the text. Written text, which is comprised of graphic markings that represent linguistic sound, forms a graphic image. This graphic image can be mapped in various ways to illustrate and provide insight about the structure and content of the text with regard to one or more selected features. Individuals can perceive the graphic information contained in the text using parafoveal and peripheral vision, thereby enabling those individuals to process the graphic information using visual/spacial cognitive abilities. The present invention system and method therefore enables a person to understand a large amount of information about the body of written text without reading the words comprising the body of written text.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for aiding foreign language instruction, comprising a language instruction program that runs on a multimedia computer. The language instruction program uses a story to teach the foreign language by displaying selected frames about the story and dialog balloons that include phrases in the foreign language associated with the frames. Translations of the phrases are also displayed. As a further aid, a pronunciation guide displays an animated representation of a person's lips as the correct enunciation of selected words in the foreign language.

Abstract: A method of displaying at least one reading metric in an electronic book includes reading machine-readable data from a machine-readable storage medium installed in the electronic book. The machine-readable data is representative of text of a book. At least one page of the text represented by the machine-readable data is displayed using the electronic book. A reading pace of a user is monitored over the at least one page, and the reading pace is displayed by the electronic book. An amount of the book which can be read at the reading pace during a remaining powering time for a battery which powers the electronic book can also be displayed. An estimated completion time for a portion of the book can be calculated and displayed based on the reading pace.

Abstract: A method of identifying strengths and weaknesses in a student's ability to use their sensory channels which integrates five basic processes into a series of testing procedures. First, the nature of the test is specified, either by a teacher or by a pre-programmed default stored in the memory of a computer. Second, test material suitable for use with a test of the specified nature is identified and extracted from the memory of the computer and then presented to the student using the outputs of the computer. The responses of the student through the inputs of the computer are then recorded and analyzed for patterns which are capable of being correlated with deficiencies in the sensory channels under test. Finally, procedures are recommended for remediating the deficiencies identified by analysis of the performance data.

Abstract: Letter writing skills are improved through use of an associative letter writing template comprising stationery having distinct regions separable by perforations. One distinct region has an outline of a letter while another distinct region has a plurality of thematic markings. The thematic markings may include words grouped by sub-topic and/or illustrations relating to a common theme. An individual is instructed to refer to the thematic markings in composing and writing a textual body for the letter upon the outline.

Abstract: A tactile teaching aid adapted to improve a person's discourse skills includes a braided strand having a plurality of indicia secured thereto that represent the elements of a story. The indicia are disposed along the strand from an upper to lower portion of the braid in the sequential order of the elements of a logical, comprehensive story. The elements of a story, in sequential order, are the characters represented: (by a pom-pom), the setting (by a star), the initiating event or problem (by a shoe), an internal response of the character to the problem (by a heart), a plan by the character to solve the problem (by a hand), the actions by the character to carry out the plan (by a plurality of beads), the direct consequences of the action (by a bow), and the resolution of the problem (by a plurality of beaded hearts).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for entertaining a group of players is provided in which a director distributes playing cards and scenario cards from a plurality of decks of game cards, a game board is provided, and players attempt to creatively and amusingly play their cards to produce a story line on which the director has arbitrary cutting authority. The method an apparatus of the present invention provide for entertainment and education of players and the game familiarizes players with current art, literature, drama, comedy, films and celebrities. The method and apparatus of the present invention demonstrate and elicit creative thinking and mental agility in the players.

Abstract: A method and device for teaching a given language to one or more users in an entertaining manner is provided utilizing a media series for teaching a given language to one or more users, particularly young children. The media series contains the given language as well as language other than the given language and is made up of series lessons which sequentially contain an increasing percentage of the given language. A user is progressively exposed to the media series by exposing the user to the series lessons in sequential fashion beginning with a first series lesson containing a lowest percentage of the given language and ending with a last series lesson containing a highest percentage of the given language. The given language to be learned is utilized and presented strategically such that the meaning of the given language can be readily and intuitively understood and wherein no supervision is necessary.

Abstract: A method of using a computer to teach, wherein a child first studies a first element of information located on a computer screen, then locates an empty space adjacent to first element. The empty space is intended to receive a second related element of information. After comparing what is available from a group of second elements, the child selects an appropriate second element from a remote source located on the screen. Once a correct second element is chosen, appropriate software allows the child to computer activate (touch screen or use a mouse) to selectively display a third element. The third element relates to the second element, while the second element relates to the first. The child learns by observing the designed relationship between any first element and the second element and any relationship between the second element and the third element.

Abstract: A portable device facilitates learning of a language based on recorded linguistic expressions of at least two types. The portable device includes an apparatus for reading each linguistic expression from the medium. A memory within the portable device stores linguistic expressions in various zones in accordance with an identifying marker. The voice of a user can be recorded by a recording portion of the portable device. A monitoring device enables monitoring of the user's voice and of the linguistic expressions retrieved from storage. A central unit is programmable by the user to cause the portable device to execute a desired instruction sequence.

Abstract: An audio frequency converter apparatus which includes an input amplifier, first threshold sensor, connected to an output of the input amplifier, for cutting off a voltage supplied by the input amplifier at a threshold, after rectification, and second threshold sensor, connected to the output of the input amplifier, for adding at a threshold the voltage supplied by the input amplifier after rectification. The second threshold sensor has a time constant which is at least equal to that of the first threshold sensor. A voltage controlled oscillator is connected to the output of the first threshold sensor to provide an oscillating output having a frequency that decreases with an increase in she output of the first threshold sensor.

Abstract: A recording method and system that provides optional and controllable song lyric acoustical promptings and music for Karaoke participants which is also capable of providing phonetic instruction for formative bilingual skill development. The acoustical prompts are in the form of short spoken phrases, acoustically provided just prior to the time at which the actual vocal should be sung. The method of acoustical prompting employs a listen--sing-along procedure effected via the interaction of the spoken instructor-promptings and the Karaoke participant. The acoustical system includes preparing a multi-track recording in proper time sequence to provide a precedent acoustical prompt. For example, the recording could have stereo music on two tracks, an original vocal on a third track in synchronism with the music, and on a fourth track rapidly spoken prompt messages preceding respective portions (vocal lines) of the original vocal.

Abstract: A prompt-providing adaptive speech tutor toy, is characterized by a programmed sequence of prompts in standard speech evoking a user's voice response of a word or phrase. Initially, a vocalized password provides a wake-up call during sleep mode to activate a start sequencer. This turns on the system. The user selects a category. A sequence of prompts and responses follows. Each response is accepted by a user input transducer, electronically treated to eliminate environmental noise and to put the response in a digitized form for computer evaluation. Computer evaluation follows. Frequency domain information from the user pattern is compared against frequency domain information from a standard pattern. Time domain information from the user pattern is compared against time domain information from a standard pattern. The comparisons are concatenated into a comparison score and this is checked against a threshold.

Abstract: A method employing the art, science, and technology of cartography to decode and comprehend graphic language texts. Improved reading and writing proficiency and efficiency may be realized by mapping a graphic language textscape (c.f. landscape). A textscape may be mapped with regard to typography, graphic or phonetic attributes of selected graphic features, meaning or usage of selected graphic features, statistical analyses of the attributes, meaning, or usage of selected graphic features, or semantic, rhetorical, compositional, thematic, or conceptual configuration. Two or more textmaps may be compared by sequential display, juxtaposition, superimposition, or animation (rapid sequential display). Elements of two or more textmaps may be combined either selectively or wholesale to produce a new textmap. Textmapping may be practiced in any scale, in up to four dimensions. Textmapping may be practiced directly upon a text, as well as indirectly, off to the side or on a separate surface, for example.

Abstract: An all-audio, hands-free and eyes-free interactive tutor provides time-efficient and reduced-boredom instruction by varying a course of instruction based on the correct and incorrect responses of the user so as to frequently repeat and provide positive feedback for poorly-learned items of knowledge, to periodically refresh well-learned items and to suggest that rest be taken or to switch to easier material whenever too many human errors have occurred. The audio interactive tutor includes an audio input module, in the preferred embodiment a voice recognition unit based on a finite state grammar, an audio output module, a course of study and a user model. In a preferred embodiment, the course of study provides for human error control as well as for voice recognition unit error control, which synergistically cooperate to render the tutor substantially fault-tolerant and therewith enables the employment of commercially-available but not excessively accurate voice recognition units.

Abstract: A tool is usable as an educational tool, a diagnostic tool or a toy and is designed to develop or diagnose a user's matching, classifying, or labeling skills using primarily visual feedback and manual manipulation--skills possessed by even non-verbal students. The tool comprises one or more boards each of which may be handheld or may include devices for mounting the board on a wall, table, or another support. Each board is also constructed of a durable and preferably rigid material permitting significant rough handling by the user. Each board is composed of at least one panel, and typically two or more panels each of which presents at least one work area having a target and a pocket mounted thereon. The user's matching or classifying skills are ascertained and/or developed by inserting cards in pockets bearing characters matching those borne by the associated targets. The boards may be foldable or combinable so as to vary the number of targets involved in the matching, classifying, or labeling task.

Abstract: A multi-media messaging system enables a user to select the communication format for communications between the system and the user. This enables the user to direct the system to convert the communication format of a stored message for the user from a first format (e.g. video) to a second format (e.g. audio). Another feature enables a user to change the language of the outputted message to be different from the language of the stored message. The system also enables a user to input a message in a first language and have the system translate it to a second language and then store it at a user selected location in memory.

Abstract: A speech synthesizer (3) produces prompts in the voice of a native speaker of a language to be learned to which the student replies or imitates. A phrase recognizer (1) employs keyword recognition to generate from the student's prompted response an original speech template spoken by the student. Thereafter, interactive dialogue takes place. The student's progress in that dialogue is monitored by measuring the deviation of the student's current speech from his original speech template. When this deviation is sufficiently large so that the recognizer (1) no longer recognizes what the student is saying, the system retrains and updates the student's speech template. In another embodiment, the system includes a display which shows the native speaker's mouth shape while the words to be imitated are spoken by the speech synthesizer (3). Also provided are a video pick-up and analyzer for analyzing the shapes of the student's mouth to give the student visual feedback.

Abstract: The language instruction and fact recognition apparatus and method for teaching as well as self instruction of a language, primary or secondary, increasing vocabulary of a language and providing a fact recognition basis with self learning and self checking techniques. The apparatus provides a key or master chart having an arrangement of a single word, words or graphical representations, a plurality of cards each having primary and secondary indicia accompanied by a word, words or graphical representation corresponding to the chart on a first side thereof and a correlative word, words or graphical representation on the second side thereof with a card orientation and placement device for retaining the cards in a manner to present the first side of a card to the second side of another card.

Abstract: In combination with the Network Application Platform (NAP), a Speech Interface to NAP (SPIN) creates or modifies a SPIN application for each language in which the prompts of a Network Application deployed on NAP are to be spoken. A prompt is mapped into a sequence of static and dynamic elements. Each SPIN application owns the prompt mappings, elements and element voice for the prompts to be played. The Network Application issues a PEP command to a Prompt Expansion Processor (PEP) to play an identified prompt in a language identified by a SPIN application ID. The command supplies the dynamic data to be played at the positions of the dynamic elements in the prompt definition PEP expands the command into a sequence of NAP Message IDs to play the sequence of NAP voice messages corresponding to the static and dynamic elements of the prompt mapping. The dynamic data is categorized into dynamic element types.

Abstract: A language learning apparatus using optical code as input medium is disclosed. An optical code/bar code is associated with each of a number of words, sentences, animal cries and sounds of music instruments. The pronunciations of the words and sentences, the animal cries and the sounds of the music instruments are digitalized and stored in storage memory in advance. An optical code reader is used to converted the optical codes into an associated electrical signal which is then converted into memory address pointed to the associated digital sound data stored in the storage memory. The digital sound data are then accessed by using the memory address and converted into an analog signal to be spoken out by a loudspeaker system. The digital sound data may comprise the pronunciations of more than one language so as to enhance the learning of different languages in an interactive manner.

Abstract: A reading kit comprises at least one sheet of text, a set of rubber stamps, and an ink pad. The text is in the form of a storyline of which key portions have been omitted. Each rubber stamp has an image which corresponds to a respective key portion in the text so that a reader may complete the story by stamping the appropriate image onto the sheet using the appropriate rubber stamp and the ink pad. Typically the storyline would be suitable for young children who are learning to read.

Abstract: A method of making an instructional recording for an individual for teaching the meaning and other aspects of an operatic piece or foreign-language song with musical and lyrical elements is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a recording of a foreign-language song comprising music and lyrics, with said lyrics consisting of foreign-language words, that is to say, said words are in a language foreign to the individual. Playing and studying said recording determines the gaps between the foreign words in said lyrics. After obtaining a translation of said foreign language words, said translation comprises a plurality of possible word groups. Comparing the duration of said possible word groups of said translation to the duration of said gaps determines actual word groupings for recording and also determines those points corresponding to respective assigned gaps on the recording where the actual groupings will be recorded. A translation recording is then made.

Abstract: An interactive teaching apparatus and a method for teaching graphemes, i.e., letter symbols of an alphabet; grapheme names, phonemes; and phonetics are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a display of graphemes wherein each of the letters is color-coded with at least one of a plurality of distinctive colors. Each of the distinctive colors corresponds to a characteristic of sound production associated with at least one phoneme or speech sound of at least one of the graphemes. The letters are accompanied by a plurality of visually perceivable images, each of which is positioned adjacent to at least one of the graphemes and has a name including at least one phoneme of at least one adjacent grapheme. The apparatus also includes a plurality of individually-activated, sound generating devices, each of which is associated with one of the graphemes and generates the name or at least one phoneme associated with the grapheme.

Abstract: An alphabet learning and word forming game is presented which utilizes a round ball having letters on its surface and four pick-up sticks. The surface of the alphabet ball is made of a material that is readily attached to one end of the pick-up stick. This attaching mechanism may be a vinyl ball and a pick-up stick having suction cups on one end or it may be a ball covered with a clear adhesive pile surface and a pick-up stick with a VELCRO hook surface on one end. The ball is rolled between players and the pick-up stick is attached to the ball such that one letter is underneath the pick-up stick each time it is rolled. The players accumulate points for forming words during a set time period from the letters which they have obtained through catching the ball with the stick. If the player is dissatisfied with the letters that he has, the ball may be re-rolled to him to obtain a new letter with a penalty of one point for each re-rolling. One point is awarded for each word formed.

Abstract: Announcements from a voice messaging system that either prompt a user for action or provide information to a user are constructed independent of the language in which the announcement is provided to the user. In particular, each announcement is treated as a "semantic expression" having an announcement identifier. This announcement identifier is mapped into a plurality of rules, each rule providing instructions on how to construct the announcement for a particular language. The rules can recursively call other rules to provide additional flexibility in constructing a particular announcement.

Abstract: Method and system for reducing illiteracy of individuals accompanied by improvements in functionality utilizing computer technology to integrate multi-sensory stimuli for synthesis of individualized instruction, evaluation, and prescription for advancement of communications skills. The method is employed to, for instance, advance a learner from status as a nonreader to being a skilled user of a language to express ideas and concepts.

Abstract: A child places a specially marked object in front of a toy capable of recognizing the marks on the object and being able to articulate a word, phrase or sentence in response to the markings. This permits the toy to be able to read and speak. Visible codes, invisible codes or holograms may be located on the objects for this purpose. A mechanism inside the toy is provided to vocalize the sounds associated with each code or marking. Electronic representations of the various sounds vocalized may be stored in the toy or on a removable memory card so that the variety of sounds may be changed as desired. The sounds can be words, sentences, paragraphs, or phonemes. The words can be either spoken or sung.

Abstract: Method and system for reducing illiteracy of individuals accompanied by improvements in functionality utilizing computer technology to integrate multi-sensory stimuli for synthesis of individualized instruction, evaluation, and prescription for advancement of communications skills. The method is employed to, for instance, advance a learner from status as a nonreader to being a skilled user of a language to express ideas and concepts.

Abstract: A language translation teaching aid and method comprises a first presentation of a line of words, a phrase, or a sentence in a first language according to its normal rules of syntax and grammar; a second presentation in a second language of a word-for-word translation of the words, a phrase, or a sentence presented in the first language; a third presentation in the second language of an accurate translation of the first presentation according to the normal rules of syntax and grammar of the second language; and a fourth presentation in the first language of a word-for-word translation of the third presentation in the second language.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for teaching a language includes an audio visual medium for displaying a story on a screen in visual form accompanied by a sound track of said story in a language to be learned. A text is provided containing the story in written form with successive short segments of said story identified by means of sequential identifying indicia. The screen is provided with subtitles displaying each segment in written form in the language to be learned. Each of the subtitles is provided with sequential identifying indicia corresponding to those of the written text. Controls are provided to start, stop, and reverse the audio visual medium to permit a user to locate and repeat a particular segment repeatedly as desired.

Abstract: The educational linguistic game includes a game board having a number of separate, spaced tracks, each track being divided into a number of separate, sequential, color coded spaces bearing separate playing instructions, depending on the color of each space. The game also includes a number of dice, a number of player's tokens for moving along the spaces of the tracks, a roulette wheel bearing monetary indicia, play money and decks of educational game question cards, the number of the decks corresponding to the number of tracks, each deck being of a different level of difficulty of questions on the cards thereof. Game operating cards are also included: "chance" cards determining whether a player wins or loses play money; "no penalty" cards to pay off fines for wrong answers to questions on the game question cards; and, "player's choice" cards which permit a player to select the type of game question to be answered.

Abstract: An electronic dictionary includes a keyboard for inputting first language information, a first memory in which second language information indicative of a grammatical classification corresponding to the input first language information is stored, a first operator for instructing the outputting of second language information stored in the first memory, a second memory for storing operation information for operating the first operator, a second operator for instructing the outputting of the second language information in an order opposite from the order in which the second language information is instructed to be output by the first operator on the basis of the operation information stored in the second memory, and a controller for searching the first memory to thereby output the second language information corresponding to the first language information input by the keyboard, for sequentially outputting a plurality of second language information corresponding to the first language information in response to th

Abstract: A pointing gesture, a method of communication using a set of pointing gestures, and mnemonic devices are described used between a sender and a receiver. The pointing gestures are performed by the sender using a gesturing device which comprises a primary indicator and a plurality of ancillary indicators. The pointing gestures are performed by the sender in a field located between the sender and the receiver. The field has a plurality of possible vector patterns created therein. Each vector pattern has a plurality of relocating line and point vectors. In the preferred embodiment, the gesturing device comprises the sender's hand with the index finger serving as the primary indicator and the thumb and middle finger serving as ancillary indicators. Also disclosed herein is a method of communication using a set of thirty-six pointing gestures with each pointing gesture programmed or associated with one communication code.

Abstract: A document processing apparatus comprises: a memory to verify both of the spelling of a word including a syllable hyphen and the spelling of a word including no syllable hyphen; a reading device to read out a word across two lines in the document processing format; a spelling verifier to access the memory and to check the spelling of the word; and a control unit for allowing the spelling verifier to perform the verifying operation at least two or more times on the basis of the result read out from the reading device, for discriminating whether the hyphen in the word across two lines is the permanent hyphen to form a synthesized word or a syllable hyphen, and for controlling the spelling verifier to perform the spelling verification. The memory is a basic dictionary memory in which the correct spelling and correct syllable hyphen position of each word are stored.

Abstract: A time limited game for a group of player-participants to share in the composition of several short stories, and including the means to achieve such composition. A timer is provided for limiting writing time. Five sets of cards are provided to determine a character profile for each player's main character. A spinner is provided to determine the genre category in which each player is required to compose. Participants compose the beginnings of a short story in the genre chosen, about a character described by the character cards and write as much as possible within a set time limit. At the end of the time limit, story compositions are passed to the player at each player's left, and writing continues for another set time limit. The same process is repeated until all participants have contributed to every other participant's story once. Story endings and story titles are added. Stories are read and awards are given for different categories of composition. The player with the most awards is declared the winner.

Abstract: A method of translating a sentence including a compound word formed by hyphenation by using a translating apparatus which includes a dictionary look up and morpheme analyzer for looking up each word constituting an input sentence of a source language in a dictionary and providing a morpheme array of the input sentence from information obtained by looking up the dictionary, a syntax analyzer for analyzing a syntactic structure of the morpheme array provided by the dictionary look up and morpheme analyzer with dictionary and grammatical rules, a language converter for converting the syntactic structure analyzed by the syntax analyzer into a corresponding syntactic structure of a target language, and a language generator for generating a translation in accordance with the syntactic structure of the target language received from the language converter referring to the information obtained by looking up the dictionary.

Abstract: A word listing system adapted to be complied into an electronic or print dictionary or compendium wherein the words are arranged in columns. There is a vertical guide column which indexes words arranged horizontally in said columns by corresponding letters alphabetically arranged therein. Said words may extend horizontally on either side of said column, end or begin with the letter in said guide columns. Each word in said list is reproduced at least twice in said compendium.

Abstract: A document processing apparatus includes: a memory to verify both of the spelling of a word including a syllable hyphen and the spelling of a word including no syllable hyphen; a reading device to read out a word across two lines in a document processing format; a spelling verifier to access the memory and to check the spelling of the word; and a control unit for allowing the spelling verifier to perform the verifying operation at least two or more times on the basis of the result read out from the reading device, for discriminating whether the hyphen in the word across two lines is the permanent hyphen to form a synthesized word or a syllable hyphen, and for controlling the spelling verifier to perform the spelling verification. The memory is a basic dictionary memory in which the correct spelling and correct syllable hyphen position of each word are stored.

Abstract: An educational game system consisting of three or more individual decks of cards, and, in some embodiments, an extra set of cards used for special situations to be described hereinafter, and consisting of at least two individual games. The first of the two games is for developing a working knowledge of a set of mathematical (e.g. arithmetic, propositional, lingual) relations, and can be played by two to a given number n of players using one deck, up to 2n players using two decks, up to 3n players using three decks, etc. The second game is a game of skill and chance, played using all of the decks, which is also a means of separating the decks from each other.

Abstract: A method of operating a computer system to effect user-customization, primarily foreign language translation, of standard system-supplied screen displays without the need to modify underlying system source code. A transltion environment includes an autonomous processor (250) interposed between a host system (100) and access devices (201,202). Information transmitted between the host and access device is diverted to the processor for intermediate processing. One phase of this processing generates a translation file (500) which stores a mapping relationship between a first language screen and its second language counterpart. This translation file is invoked during the secod processing phase to effect a translation from the first-to-second language upon a host response and from the second-to-first language upon a host request.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new programming and feedback system for learning science as a language. The zero information based system and kit of the present invention allow verbalization of science subjects in a substantially less period of time than possible by conventional techniques.

Abstract: An arrangement of words is provided wherein a multiplicity of words are arranged in sequential groupings with each sequential grouping having a plurality of words having the same last syllable and wherein the sequential groupings are arranged in alphabetical order in accordance with the last syllable and the plurality of words in each sequential grouping are arranged in alphabetical order. Also, a book having at least three sections is provided wherein the first section comprises a multiplicity of words arranged in alphabetical order; the second section comprises single-syllable words from the first section arranged in alphabetical order and the third section comprises the multi-syllable words from the first section arranged in accordance with the last syllable as described above.

Abstract: A coded font keyboard design is presented wherein conventional keyboard formats, such as the qwerty keyboard, are coded to produce instructional materials for developmental language education using the periodic code of language elements. A preferred embodiment describes the use of the qwerty keyboard to product all coded symbols used in the periodic table of language elements.

Abstract: Apparatus and method used in language skills development are described. A periodic table of forty-five language elements is presented. The periodicity of the elements is described in terms of articulation mechanisms. Photographs of mouth pattern and voice frequency information are provided for each language element. The two major families of vowels and consonants are preserved and emphasized on phonomats. These phonomats are designed to reinforce the relationship among the language elements. Alternate spellings, specially encoded, are provided to enable the student to pronounce new words and sentences based on his prior familiarity with the symbol and sound bets presented on the periodic table of language elements.

Abstract: Each word, of the words of a selected language such as english, is fully defined by a number of distinguishing characteristics of definition. Words having one or more identical distinguishing characteristics of definition are arranged into classification groups and the distinguishing characteristics of definition within each such classification group are arranged in a predetermined classification order. The classification order is such that identical distinguishing characteristics of definition for different words in the order are first arranged in corresponding positions for each such word in the classification order. Thereafter, the distinguishing characteristics of definition are arranged in corresponding positions for different words as the number of identical distinguishing characteristics of definition diminish until last to be arranged are different distinguishing characteristics of definition for each word.

Abstract: A method of teaching a set of indicia as representations of language sounds by associating each symbol with an event, or phonetic phenomenon, which produces the sound. In this manner, the sounds are presented in isolation rather than as an element of the oral form of a word. In addition to the combination of sound, event and symbol, the method uses a distinct gesture with each sound to ensure the proper articulation of that sound and to allow the student to become an active participant in the event. The method allows the student to acquire a set of symbols to represent language sounds without requiring the separation of an individual sound from a word. Instead, soniferous events are used to allow the student to make a meaningful connection between each symbol and the sound it represents.

Abstract: A communications apparatus and process, particularly formulated to eliminate orthographic inconsistencies in a language, which thereby facilitates communication in the language. The process is particularly useful in teaching English as a second language and in overcoming illiteracy. The process uses symbolic logic to define representations for the verbalized or phonetic components of a non-numeric message. The representations can take the form of either numeric or alpha-like characters. In a preferred form, a twelve key keypad is proposed with ten numeric keys, a spacer key, and a position designation key. Using such a keypad, a one or two digit number is entered, each number being representative of a particular verbalized component of a message.