Abstract: Novel methods for generating language learning lessons. A learner is allowed to speak out loud a sentence in a foreign language while an instructor types down exactly how the sentence is spoken in a first column on a lesson sheet. The instructor then writes out a correct sentence marked with symbols noting the incorrect word and missing word in a second column parallel to the first column. Unfamiliar word is then placed in a third column and mispronounced word is placed in a fourth column. Words in third column and fourth column is further practiced in homework and in next lesson by using them to make new sentence by the learner.

Abstract: A method to teach a language may include the steps of selecting a predetermined letter sound to be evaluated, providing a first predetermined word which exhibits the predetermined letter sound, adding a first predetermined diacritic character to the first predetermined word and generating a predetermined word deleting the letters having the first predetermined diacritic character. The predetermined letter sound may be a short vowel, and the predetermined letter sound may be a long vowel. The predetermined letter sound may a long I, the predetermined letter sound may be a closed A. The predetermined letter sound may be a closed O, and the predetermined letter sound may be a vowel pronounced as a schwa. The predetermined letter sound may be the letter O, and the predetermined letter sound may be an alternate consonant. The predetermined letter sound may be a silent letter.

Abstract: An improved method for increasing listening comprehension in one's own or a foreign language, and hence, conversational ability. This method improves learners' listening comprehension by starting them at speeds at which they can successfully process auditory data. Then processing ability is improved by increasing flow rate and phonemic discrimination.

Abstract: Just prior to a scheduled session with a live instructor, a student is presented with an automated lesson which prepares him for the live instruction. The automatic lesson presents and practices skills that will be needed for the live lesson. Thus, when the instructor appears, the student is entirely prepared for the live lesson and optimum use may be made if the instructor's time. After the live lesson is complete, the student may be returned to an automated debriefing, which helps imprint major aspects of the live lesson of the students of mine. Thus, the learning process is improved through the combination of live and automatic instruction.

Abstract: The present invention is a methodology for helping a student to learn vocabulary in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, and Pin Yin. The present invention comprises a Selection Program (SP), a Testing Program (TP), and a Character Sizing Program (CSP). The SP allows the user to select a Chinese-English textbook chapter, a question language, and an answer language. The SP then displays the chapter vocabulary for review and runs the TP. The TP calculates the probability factors for the vocabulary terms and determines a question to ask. The TP uses two Unicode tables to check to see if the answer is correct. The TP decrements the probability factor for wrong answers and increments the probability factor for right answers. The TP ends when all of the probability factors are equal to one. The CSP changes the font size of the Chinese characters.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting future and concurrent reading ability are provided. A first variable comprising a measurement of picture vocabulary, a second variable comprising a measurement of phonemic awareness, a third variable comprising a measurement of rapid naming, and a fourth variable comprising a measurement of single letter or word naming are detected. An assessment of concurrent or future reading ability is generated from the first, second, third and fourth variables. The assessment of concurrent or future reading ability may be carried out with an empirically-based model of actual clinical experience or a regression model.

Abstract: An online foreign language training system is disclosed for providing a rapid introduction to a foreign language. Language instruction may be provided from a matrix of target languages and user languages, such that a single site may serve as a teaching system for teaching many different foreign languages and thus provide individuals with the ability to learn many different languages using the same user interface. Language curriculum may be customized based on user selections and user demographics to improve the relevance of the instruction to a user in terms of its length, thematic functions, and types of graphical images and sounds presented to the user. Language instruction is presented in a spiraling format in which different thematic themes are presented at each level and the complexity increases at increasing levels of instruction. The online language training system also uses icons to contextually introduce key terms for “controlling” communication, or conversation management.

Abstract: A solution is proposed for the data-handling system-assisted comprehension of texts (particularly, when they are written in a foreign language). For this purpose, a difficulty index is associated with each known word (for example, according to its frequency of use in standard texts). The words of a current document opened using the data-handling system are sorted according to their difficulty indexes. The words having the difficulty indexes higher than a threshold value (for example, based on the skill of a reader) are selected as difficult. A translation of each difficult word is then extracted from a dictionary; this translation is displayed close to each occurrence of the corresponding difficult word.

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: System and method for learning scripts of Chinese character-based languages includes forming a list of user-recognized symbols in a Chinese character-based language, each of the symbols having an associated key with a respective bridge. A complex Chinese multi-character to be learned and added to the recognized list is identified. A set of the user-recognized symbols within the multi-character is recognized. A mnemonic in a language known to the user is formed for recalling the written form of the multi-character. The mnemonic is based upon the keys and bridges associated with the recognized set of symbols within the multi-character. The mnemonic is used to remember the multi-character and, thereby, add the multi-character to the recognized list. Chinese radicals can be sources associated with icons having a logical similarity thereto. The source has the bridge in upper case and three icons use two combinations of lower/upper case and two lower case letters.

Abstract: A modularized computer-aided language learning system utilizing a unique user interface and modularized presentation modules to assist users to learn a language. The system presents a presentation module including a first description of a presentation subject and a placeholder indicating that a second description of the presentation subject is missing from the presentation module. Each of the first description of the presentation subject and the second description of the presentation subject is one of a textual type, a visual type and an audio type. Separated from the presentation module, the system presents the second description of the presentation subject, and receives a user input indicating an association of the presented second description to presentation module related to the presentation subject. Feedback is provided indicating the correctness of the association. The disclosure also describes a unique program design approach to form training programs using the presentation modules.

Abstract: The increasing globalization of the world necessitates further strengthening of foreign language learning policies. The brain's foreign language recognition activity is enhanced and effective foreign language learning is enabled by extracting signals of prescribed bands from a speech signal in a foreign language using a first bandpass filter section having two or more bandpass filters, extracting the envelopes of each frequency band signal using envelope extraction sections having envelope extractors, applying a noise source signal to a second bandpass filter section having two or more bandpass filters and extracting noise signals corresponding to the prescribed bands, multiplying the outputs of the first bandpass filter section and the second bandpass filter section in multiplication sections, summing up the outputs of the multiplication sections in an addition section to produce a Noise-Vocoded Speech Sound signal, and presenting the Noise-Vocoded Speech Sound signals for listening.

Abstract: Both a system and method are provided for transliterating a name written in the letters of an alphabet of a source language to a name in the letters of an alphabet of a target language that is different from the source language. The system includes a CPU, a computer readable memory and a computer readable storage media; and first, second and third program instructions. The first program instructions determine whether the letters of the alphabets of the source and target languages are the same or substantially the same. If so, the second program instructions transliterate the name into the same letters used in the source language alphabet.

Abstract: An innovative language system and global/mobile network-based platforms for social networking and messaging is built on a vocabulary of symbols holding a universal meaning that transcends barriers of language and regional dialect through a complete system of cross-referencing and evolution. Individuals can contribute to the language and absorb new aspects of the language as it evolves globally. Furthermore, the symbol vocabulary is faster than standard text-based communications and is intended to communicate broader concepts with fewer keystrokes. The new language and communication system also presents opportunities for commercial benefit. As system use proliferates, commercial entities can sponsor their own symbols, collect real time symbol use data (whether geographically-based or not), and provide promotional benefits to consumers based on the use data.

Abstract: An application (computer program, an embodiment can be a game) which requires translation as one of its metrics is used to help the user can learn a language while operating the system (in a game embodiment, playing the game). The interaction is carried out only in a foreign language, but the application also includes translation capability. A virtual buddy can be used to translate between the native language and the foreign language so that the user can translate information and eventually learn information about the language by the process of interacting with the system (in an embodiment playing the game).

Abstract: A student providing a multi-word response in a computerized language teaching system provides a manual input concurrently with each responsive word. For example, he might enter a keystroke correspondent to the first letter of each word. When using the teaching computer silently, a student will typically “speak” each word mentally as he enters a keystroke, so the limited experience is almost as effective as speaking out loud. When a student types one or more keystrokes concurrently with each word that he speaks, the computer will be able to detect when a student is responding with a correct word, but merely mispronouncing it. Also, since the computer will receive a keystroke as the student starts each new word, it is better able to distinguish the boundaries between words and recognize them more reliably.

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 modified versions of those language samples are provided to the learner, in such a way that they allow the learner to comprehend the structure of said language samples, which allows to comprehend the meaning. Said modified versions are created by replacing some groups of words by some groups of characters which are called replacing words. Said replacing words allow to summarize subordinate clauses in the language sample, thus simplifying the complexity of the language sample. This allows the learner to focus on one idea at a time, and thus gradually build her comprehension of the language sample.

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: An online training center that users are able to log onto to receive supplemental lessons for learning English. The present invention also provides students with different methods of practicing the English that they learned. The present invention aims to spread the English language to promote more understanding between people of different culture. With better understanding between people, there is less conflict and more peace.

Abstract: A double-function pictorial instruction method for Chinese phonetic cursive symbol is an instruction system using transforming pattern of English alphabets to teach both the pronunciation and writing of Chinese phonetic symbol. Through transforming English alphabets into patterns similar to Chinese phonetic symbols, people capable of reading English will learn to read the Chinese phonetic symbols while seeing the symbols through the learning system.

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: A language training system allows students to receive on-demand training in language skills with remotely situated instructors. The training is provided in diverse languages and topics. A system includes a database of conversations a student may select from. After a conversation is selected, the student also selects an instructor to provide the training. The system established real-time communication between the student and selected instructor and supply a script for the selected conversation.

Abstract: Publishing electronic messages to clients within a group in a Pub/Sub message publishing environment wherein the group includes authorized participating clients in network communication with a pub/sub service. A client is authenticated for authority to publish messages to a selected group of subscribing clients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to align and edit chunks of text and translation. Language learners compare segments of text and translation. Both text and translation are segmented into word groups or “chunks” and related to each other. The related chunks are aligned to facilitate their comparison. For a reader, unfamiliar chunks can be related to more familiar chunks. Constant alignment of text and translation chunks occurs in many variable outputs, including bifocal formats and directly editable alignments. Thus, human edits and improvements input into the system can inform improving machine chunk translation. Both text and translation are editable within one single document, manageable in a wide variety of text editing environments, including common Textarea Input fields. Resulting chunk translations are easily printed on paper and/or displayed electronically. Language learners using the system may include humans and machines. Productions of aligned texts are customized for individual language learners.

Abstract: Systems and methods for semantic knowledge assessment, instruction, and acquisition are disclosed. In one embodiment a computer-implemented method for language instruction includes determining a lexical recognition ability level of a user within a lexicon of a particular language. This method further includes, based on item recognizability, creating a target list of unknown lexical items. The target list can be sorted by ranking the importance of the unknown lexical items within the particular lexicon. The method also includes generating a personal language learning sequence for the user based, at least in part, on the target list.

Abstract: An embodiment is a physiological and cognitive feedback device, system, and method for evaluating a response of a user in an interactive language learning advertisement. Foreign language lessons are provided at no cost to consumers online in exchange for the consumers' feedback on the products or services embedded in the language lessons. The language lessons may use television advertisements as course material, serving both educational and promotional purposes. Revenues are generated through product placement opportunities as well as consumer survey responses that are a part of the lessons.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an English learning apparatus and system for supporting the memorization of words using pictures. The English learning system includes a server for providing a user-created word list, and an English learning apparatus for supporting memorization of words using pictures. The English learning apparatus includes a local storage unit for storing a user-created word list and an English word list. A local communication unit receives the user-created word list from the second server storage unit, and stores the user-created word list in the local storage unit. A schedule management unit divides English words and allocates the divided English words to corresponding dates. A concentrated learning unit performs concentrated learning on individual dates using a method of extracting English words allocated to a selected date, and Korean meanings and images and displaying the English words, the Korean meanings and the images.

Abstract: The system is a comprehensive software application using audio-visual interactive multimedia components that aids users in learning how to effectively speak and write in a new language. The system combines simultaneous audio and video streams, an effective multimedia fusion to help language learners retain auditory and visual information. The system also applies an array of memory-retention techniques aiding the user to accurately comprehend spoken and written language information. The application uses memory-aid techniques such as, but not limited to, color-association, text (word, phrase, sentence) presentation, corresponding image association, humor-driven retention and rhythm. The whole system, therefore, is a powerful and exceptionally effective language teaching tool, a synthesis of sights, sounds and memory enhancing features, creating a rich and complete sensory learning experience.

Abstract: A client application program subscribing to a channel of a pub/sub service, receives a message published by the pub/sub service, the received message invoking an associated application program at the client.

Abstract: Interaction in a target language among students and native speakers of the language is effected by providing a learning community having a set of language activities in a plurality of languages, including the target language. The activities include communications with others. A student is permitted full access to activities in the target language, while a native speaker in the target language is given access to a subset of activities in a language of his choice in exchange for having carried on a communication with a student in the target language.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate foreign language instruction. In one embodiment, a foreign language tutor is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The foreign language tutor facilitates language instruction by enabling a user to view a received program in various languages, even though those languages may not be part of the audio or subtitles of the received program. In particular, the user may view the received program with an audio track in his/her native language and a subtitle track in a foreign language, or vice versa. In addition, the foreign language tutor is configured to obtain and display reference information (e.g., a dictionary definition) for a word of a subtitle track. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An adaptive foreign-language-learning conversation system includes conversation-graded sets, conversation topic units provided in the conversation-graded sets, and conversation modules provided in the conversation topic units and including predetermined conversation sentences, conversation indexes, and conversation routes. The conversation sentences define conversation simulation files and the conversation module is used to generate the conversation sentence and to receive and identify a user's response sentence. A conversation-evaluating unit is provided in the conversation-graded set to connect with output ends of the conversation topic units, and is used to generate an evaluation result. The system is operated to upgrade or downgrade levels of the conversation-graded sets, or to maintain the same level of the conversation-graded sets according to the evaluation result.

Abstract: A method and system for teaching a foreign language to a user who has knowledge of a base language is disclosed. The method and system may include delivering a video presentation simultaneously to a plurality of users. The method and system may also include simultaneously delivering a plurality of mixed known language-foreign language audio and/or text streams to the plurality of users, each of the plurality of mixed known language-foreign language audio and/or text streams corresponding to the video presentation.

Abstract: A system receives a first value and packets of encoded audio speech from a first client. The system receives a second value and packets of encoded audio speech from a second client. Based on the first value, the system services the packets of encoded audio speech from the first client using a first processing level. Based on the second value, the system services the packets of encoded audio speech from the second client using a second processing level, which is different from the first processing level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for randomly providing learning information to a user through a communication terminal of the user. The present invention has an effect on an improvement of word power of a foreign language or on learning achievement in chemical or scientific formulas for students by providing the learning information through a portable communication terminal held by the user.

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: Apparatus, method and software for teaching foreign language involving a data processing system having a program executing computer, a data storage device, and an output device; one or more data files containing written information in a user's native language, the written information being of current interest to the user; computer programs executing on the data processing system for: converting lexical blocks of said written information to a desired foreign language to create a mixed language written information; and displaying the mixed language written information on the output device.

Abstract: A teaching material auto expanding method for expending an input teaching material data having at least one sentence unit into a database in a learning material expanding system is disclosed. The database has multiple subjects and structure information corresponding thereto, each subject having a corresponding subject category and each subject category having at least one corresponding sentence unit. First, subject similarity values corresponding to each subject in the database for each of the sentence units in the input teaching material data are separately calculated wherein each subject similarity value comprises a content similarity value and a structure similarity value. A confidence measurement operation is then performed to obtain confidence measurement values of each of the subjects by using the subject similarity value for each sentence unit. Thereafter, an expanding manner for each sentence unit is determined based on the obtained confidence measurement value corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A method of editing communication sheets comprises providing a picture/text editing interface; providing a dividing function for communication sheet; providing a expression (s) database, a picture database and a voice database; providing a correlation searching function; providing expression (s) insertion function; providing picture insertion function; providing language assigning function; and providing a output file generating function. The method also handles multiple languages and can change the language of expression (s) or voice with a rapid manner.

Abstract: A system is provided for acquiring increased proficiency in a new or target language by enabling frequent repeated hearing and mimicking of discrete audio sound bites in the target language, wherein the sound bites and their frequency of repetition may be easily selected by the user before or during use. The sound bites may be played singly or in sequential groups or user defined groups, and automatically repeated as necessary or desired to achieve audio imprinting of the sound bites by simply listening and repeating the sounds without substantial intellectual effort or attempts at memorization. The system enables user selected or sequential hearing and mimicking of specific sound bites or groups of sound bites repeatedly in each use session in the context of meaning, without requiring dedicated language learning time, and thereby helps reproduce the natural process of initial native language acquisition which occurs without substantial intellectual effort and memorization.

Abstract: An interactive system for improving conversational listening and speaking skills in a target language through interaction between personal communications devices (for example, mobile telephones using cellular or other wireless networks, telephones using PSTN lines, VOIP-enabled communications devices, smart phones, voice-enabled PDAs) and an automated system that provides oral/aural instruction and practice in vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar/syntax, engages the learner in simulated conversations, and provides personalized feedback and suggestions for further practice based on an analysis of the type and frequency of specific pronunciation and grammatical/syntactical errors.

Abstract: A teaching machine generates a list of likely completions of an incomplete typed word, based upon previous keyboard input. This may include not only the incompletely typed word, but a number of completely typed, preceding words, in order have the word completion based upon context. The incompletely typed word is then subjected to a phonetic transcription, or other tests based upon knowledge by the system of the user, to further narrow the prediction list.

Abstract: D-BLOK is the name for an oral language teaching method that creates an environment to facilitate oral communication for: a. People that are just beginning to speak a second language. b. People that are not confident speaking a second language but have some knowledge of that language. c. People with oral communication problems in first or second language.

Abstract: A method and system for teaching a foreign language to a user who has knowledge of a base language is disclosed. The method and system may include assessing the user's proficiency in the target foreign language. The method and system may also include presenting a text to the user that includes both base language words and target foreign language words, where the amount of target foreign language words in the text depends on the user's assessed proficiency in the target foreign language.

Abstract: A student using a teaching system, for example, to learn a language, selects a concept, for example a word or phrase, which he does not recall. On a display, he is immediately presented with an array of images or graphics related to the selected concept. For example, the graphics or images may be from previous lessons which involve the concept. If the student then selects one of the images or graphics he is presented with a list of all the concepts, for example, words and phrases, associated with that image or graphic. The student is thereby able to recollect the selected concept in the context of all of his previous experiences with it. If that does not restore the selected concept to his recollection, he is able to select additional images and graphics, in each case being presented with an additional list of related concepts, making it likely that the originally selected concept will be recalled.

Abstract: The invention can be efficiently used for intensively learning different disciplines, including foreign languages, and for forming and automating operational skills of professionals in different field of activity. It makes it possible to obtain a technical result and a high-quality intensive training. The use of a training aid is developed according to a synergetic theory in the form of a synergetic training device and makes it possible to provide a synergetic variant of intensive training. The synergetic training device is embodied in a dynamic technical device consisting of several soundproof booths which comprise training facilities and technical means using a sensor system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of teaching a foreign language by applying emotional intelligence tools. The method comprises the following steps: selecting a subject, selecting one or more elements of the language to be learned as linguistic objectives, selecting one or more emotional intelligence objectives to be reached through the subject, and using the elements of the language to be learned by carrying out educational activity which includes identifying a positive gate, classifying words and phrases representing different attitudes, emotions, moods and approaches, and conducting one or more exercises for enhancing the selected emotional intelligence objectives, whereby attainment and assimilation of the foreign language objectives and emotional intelligence objectives are simultaneously and mutually facilitated.

Abstract: A language teaching aid includes a phrase or sentence in a first language and, adjacent each word in the phrase or sentence, an exact translation into a second language of that word in the context used in the phrase or sentence. Adjacent the exact translation of one or more juxtaposed words, but fewer than all the words of the phrase or sentence, there is a further translation into the second language to render that word or those words more easily understood by the learner. The language teaching aid may be in the form of a book with sentences which together form a story.

Abstract: A language teaching system of orientation phonetic symbols includes a pronunciation teaching module containing a word bank unit and an identification-conversion unit. The word bank unit includes large Chinese vocabulary, English single word data, and Chinese and English phonetic symbol word data. The arrangement of each English letter marked to English orientation phonetic symbol word is the same as a specified English single word, and the arrangement of each English letter marked to Chinese orientation phonetic symbol word is the same as the Chinese phonetic symbols of a specified Chinese character. A specified letter of the English phonetic symbol word is marked with a pronunciation auxiliary mark at its periphery to represent its sound. The identification-conversion unit collates the Chinese orientation phonetic symbol word and displays it on a screen.

Abstract: An adjustable hierarchical scoring method is disclosed. A hierarchical scoring structure for speech-sound data is generated. Historical data of speech-sound scoring for the speech-sound data is retrieved from a speech-sound practice database while a professional scoring result for the hierarchical scoring structure of the speech-sound data is being collected. A weight-adjusting operation is performed according to the historical data of speech-sound scoring and the professional scoring result to calculate optimum adjusting weights for each layer of the hierarchical scoring structure. Retrieved speech-sound data of a student is scored using a speech-sound scoring system and a weighted average operation is performed to the score of the speech-sound data of the student according to a corresponding adjusting weight, thereby generating the final score of the speech-sound data of the student.