SLLS : an online conversational spoken language learning system

Abstract

The Spoken Language Learning System (SLLS) is intended to be an engaging, educational, and extensible spoken language learning system showcasing the multilingual capabilities of the Spoken Language Systems Group's (SLS) systems. The motivation behind SLLS is to satisfy both the demand for spoken language learning in an increasingly multi-cultural society and the desire for continued development of the multilingual systems at SLS. SLLS is an integration of an Internet presence with augmentations to SLS's Mandarin systems built within the Galaxy architecture, focusing on the situation of an English speaker learning Mandarin. We offer language learners the ability to listen to spoken phrases and simulated conversations online, engage in interactive dynamic conversations over the telephone, and review audio and visual feedback of their conversations. We also provide a wide array of administration and maintenance features online for teachers and administrators to facilitate continued system development and user interaction, such as lesson plan creation, vocabulary management, and a requests forum. User studies have shown that there is an appreciation for the potential of the system and that the core operation is intuitive and entertaining. The studies have also helped to illuminate the vast array of future work necessary to further polish the language learning experience and reduce the administrative burden. The focus of this thesis is the creation of the first iteration of SLLS; we believe we have taken the first step down the long but hopeful path towards helping people speak a foreign language.