WO2017139834A1

WO2017139834A1 - A language learning interface

Info

Publication number: WO2017139834A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/050120
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sean LAWENCE
Original assignee: Lawence Sean
Priority date: 2016-02-18
Filing date: 2017-02-13
Publication date: 2017-08-24
Also published as: CN108885843A; JP2019513243A

Abstract

A language learning interface configured for language learning through introducing new words progressively in context through sentences and stories. The interface allows the learner's brain to create memory hooks and mind maps to learn a new language in a manner aligned with the way in which the brain is hardwired to do so. The interface is configured to display: a first target language sentence; a first at least one native language translation associated with the first target language sentence; and at least one native language translation display toggle control for the at least one native language translation; receive a native language translation display toggle instruction from the at least one native language translation display toggle control for the at least one native language translation; and display: a second target language sentence; and a second at least one native language translation associated with the second target language sentence.

Description

A language learning interface

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to language learning interfaces and, in particular, to a language learning interface that comprises user controls allowing for the toggling of the display of native language translations associated with target language sentences so as to provide a material advantage in favouring cognitive learning in manner in which the brain inherently does so.

Background and Summary of the invention

[2] As will become apparent from the ensuing description, present embodiments provide a language learning interface is configured for language learning through introducing new words progressively in context through sentences and stories. The language learning interface allows the learner's brain to create memory hooks and mind maps to learn a new language in a manner aligned with the way in which the brain is hardwired to do so.

[3] Noam's Chomsky linguistic nativism theorizes that human brains have a biological organ (hardwiring) that acts as a language acquisition device such that humans are biologically hardwired to learn language.

[4] As such, we developed the present language-learning interface to provide an environment, interaction and content for learning that aligns with the brain's natural language acquisition capability.

[5] As will be appreciated from the ensuing description, the language learning interface has also been designed so as to be effortless, fun and addictive wherein only one screen is displayed to the learner at a time allowing the learner to utilise simple user interaction gestures, such as single clicks, double clicks, swipes, holds and the like.

[6] Further specifically, in embodiments, the language learning interface implements a "focus" concept wherein words are brought into focus in sequence wherein the sequence may be determined by the system/interface.

[7] Once a learner has learnt a word, the language learning interface allows the learner to flag the word as 'learnt' and it is dropped from focus and the next word introduced.

[8] As such, when learning a new language, a learner may not recognise the vast majority of foreign words of the new language. However, as the learner continues reading, the learner will learn new words one by one at which stage the learner will flag the appropriate word as having been learnt by utilising an associated translation toggle control.

[9] US20140342323A1 (Dl) entitled "Systems and methods for generating distractors in language learning" discloses language learning software that automatically extracts text from resources using various natural-language processing features, which can be combined with custom-designed learning activities to offer a needs-based, adaptive learning methodology.

[10] In summary, Dl discloses an algorithm for generating learning resources tailored to each student.

[11] However, there is neither disclosure nor suggestion in Dl of the toggling of the present invention, let along to toggling of words of translated content.

[12] Specifically, Dl discloses a system for scraping text from the web and creating multiple choice questions (or other tests) to test a student.

[13] The "distractors" referred in Dl are incorrect question answers to compliment the correct question answer (keyword) that is the goal (find the correct answer) of the student.

[14] Dl selects and presents keywords and distractors based on the user's ability, and is dynamic rather than text book static.

[15] The 'keyword extraction module' of Dl is an algorithm for selecting relevant text/words relevant to the user's learning. As such, Dl allows user to load text, and have that as the basis of creating multiple choice (or other tests).

[16] Further, US20110208508A1 (D2) entitled "Interactive Language Training System" discloses an interactive language training system allows practice word/phrase lists customized by the user for training.

[17] In summary, D2 discloses a standardised language learning interface.

[18] However, there is neither disclosure nor suggestion in D2 of the toggling of the present invention, let alone to toggling of words of translated content.

[19] Rather, D2 discloses a 'standard' learning interface that is configurable to the user's attributes (age, fluency, interests).

[20] Specifically, D2 uses 'flashcards' to focus on the words rather than the content or sentence as does the present invention.

[21] Whereas D2 makes reference to pronunciation, such is only in the context of D2 evaluating the user's ability to pronounce the word. Furthermore, whereas D2 does disclose a hover tool, such is not word toggling as claimed but rather merely displaying data from a web dictionary.

[22] Further, US20120052467A1 (D3) entitled "Online language training system" discloses an online foreign language training system for providing a rapid introduction to a foreign language.

[23] However, D3 is essentially an online pictorial flash card system having a smart algorithm to assist speed learning.

[24] As such, there is neither disclosure nor suggestion in D3 of the toggling of the present invention, let along to toggling of words of translated content. [25] Rather D3 tailers curriculum, themes, course length and the like by user. D3 uses pictures with a repeat and reinforce algorithm that may involve a hierarchy of learning. D3 groups words into phrases, and then repeats these phrases and complexity.

[26] Further, US7869988B2 (D4) entitled "Group foreign language teaching system and method" discloses a method and system for teaching a foreign language to a user who has knowledge of a base language.

[27] According to D4, content is presented to the user wherein words in a sentence are replaced ('woven') with their foreign language equivalent such that users are presented with sentences to users having a blend of native and target language words (noting that per-word translations often results in illogical literal translation rather than proper contextual translation).

[28] Users can select a level and an algorithm of D4 (not the user) then decides which words to substitute according to that level.

[29] Furthermore, US7542908B2 (D5) entitled "System for learning a language" discloses language learning having scenarios having tasks to be carried out in the language. In other words, D5 is a virtual reality articulation of basic language learning tools.

[30] However, there is neither disclosure nor suggestion in D5 of the toggling of the present invention, let along to toggling of words of translated content.

[31] Rather D5 discloses a network of learning platforms, tutors and students. D5 uses Al to help users figure out the actual meaning of ambiguous words from context e.g. bark (of tree) and bark (of a dog). D5 additionally uses virtual reality scenarios and real life task simulations (rather than text book reading) for learning.

[32] Further, US20060074636A1 (D6) entitled "Language learning system and method" discloses a "pick and place" game.

[33] However, there is neither disclosure nor suggestion in D6 of the toggling of the present invention, let alone to toggling of words of translated content.

[34] Rather, D6 discloses a game where the user is presented with a target sentence, and each target word is translated into native language word. The user then picks and places each native word against the target language word.

[35] Further, WO2016044879A1 (D7) entitled "Teaching systems and methods" essentially discloses a dictionary having games and a learning algorithm.

[36] However, there is neither disclosure nor suggestion in D7 of the toggling of the present invention, let alone to toggling of words of translated content. [37] Rather D7 display individual words in a repetition game based app. Like a dictionary, according to D7, a user select to see the definition, pronunciation, translation and character (if non syllabic language) and translation.

[38] For pronunciation, each word of D7 are broken down into phonemes and have a written equivalent and audio file equivalent for each phoneme. Each of the pronunciation and translation are accessed as a user would using a dictionary lookup.

[39] With the foregoing in mind, in accordance with one aspect, there is provided a language learning interface which may be configured to display: a first target language sentence; a first at least one native language translation associated with the first target language sentence; and at least one native language translation display toggle control for the at least one native language translation; receive a native language translation display toggle instruction from the at least one native language translation display toggle control for the at least one native language translation; and display: a second target language sentence; and a second at least one native language translation associated with the second target language sentence and wherein the second least one native language translation does not include the first at least one native language translation.

[40] For example, for the following fist target language sentence:

[41] the present interface is configurable to receive a native language translation display toggle control instruction for the native language translation 'is' such that the subsequent second target language sentence is displayed by the present interface as:

toggle the display state off, because the user already knows the meaning of that target language word. In this way, once a learner has learnt a word, the language learning interface allows the learner to flag the word as 'learnt' and it is dropped from focus and the next word introduced so as to allow allows the learner's brain to create memory hooks and mind maps to learn a new language in a manner aligned with the way in which the brain is hardwired to do so.

[43] The least one native language translation may be a plurality of native language translations for each word of each target language sentence. [44] The least one native language translation may be a plurality of native language translations for group meanings of each target language sentence.

[45] The least one native language translation may be a full sentence meaning of each target language sentence.

[46] The language learning interface may be further configured to display: a first at least one target language pronunciation associated with the first target language sentence; and at least one target language pronunciation display toggle control for the at least one target language

pronunciation; receive a target language pronunciation display toggle instruction from the at least one target language pronunciation display toggle control for the at least one native language translation; and display: a second at least one target language pronunciation associated with the second target language sentence and wherein the second at least one target language pronunciation does not include the first at least one target language pronunciation.

[47] For example for a first target language sentence:

[48] The present interface is configured to receive a target language pronunciation display toggle control instruction for the target language pronunication 'wa' such that the second target language sentence is displayed as:

to toggle the display state off, because the user already knows the pronunciation of that target language word.

[50] The least one target language pronunciation may be a plurality of target language pronunciations for each word of each target language sentence.

[51] The second target language sentence may be selected in accordance with the native language translation display toggle instruction.

[52] As such, the interface may select further sentences for display depending on the words the learner has learnt. [53] At least one target word may be identified from the first target language sentence and the native language translation display toggle instruction and wherein the second target language sentence may be selected in accordance with the at least one target word.

[54] As such, the interface may identify target words for learning by the learner and then select sentences focusing on these target words.

[55] The second target language sentence may be selected by at least one user demographic.

[56] For example, users interested in accountancy may be presented with sentences with an element of, or connection to, accountancy.

[57] As such, the interface may focus on sentences relevant to a learner's interest.

[58] The second target language sentence may be selected in accordance with a word classification.

[59] The word classification may be a complexity classification.

[60] The complexity classification may be classified in accordance with predetermined level classification.

[61] For example, users interested in the Japanese Learning Proficiency Test (JLPT) may be presented with sentences containing words from specific levels (chosen by the user) of the JLPT program.

[62] Or for example, users interested in a specific level of the 'jouyou' classification of character difficulty may be presented with sentences containing words from a specific level (chosen by the user) of the 'jouyou' classification.

[63] The complexity classification may be classified in accordance with word usage frequency analysis.

[64] For example, words that appear frequently in every day usage (and therefore be useful to learn first) may be presented in sentences before words that do not occur frequently in every day usage.

[65] As such, the interface may select words having complexity commensurate with the learner's proficiency.

[66] The second target language sentence may be extracted from target content.

[67] The target content may be user specified.

[68] As such, the language learning interface may utilise sentences selected from articles retrieved across the Internet.

[69] The target content may be selected in accordance with the native language translation display toggle instruction.

[70] As such, the interface may select articles according to words that the user has learnt. [71] The target content may be selected by at least one user demographic.

[72] As such, the interface may select articles according to a user interest.

[73] At least one target word may be identified from the first target language sentence and the native language translation display toggle instruction and wherein the target content may be selected in accordance with the at least one target word.

[74] As such, the interface may select articles containing words to be learned by the learner.

[75] At least one target word may be identified from target content and wherein the second target language sentence may be extracted from further target content selected according to the least one target word.

[76] As such, target words may be identified from user-specified content such that further target content may be identified using these target words.

[77] The language learning interface may further comprise a text-to-speech speech synthesiser to speech synthesise at least one of the language sentences and native language translations.

[78] The language learning interface may further comprise a speech-to-text interface to convert user speech into the native language translation display toggle instruction.

[79] According to another aspect, there is provided a computing device for generating a language learning interface, the computing device comprising: a plurality of software modules comprising: a language learning interface control module comprising a display state toggle control module for controlling the display and operation of a language learning interface; a database comprising: a learners table for storing learner identification data; a words table for storing words and at least associated translations; and a display state table relating the words and the learners table for storing which words have been learned by learners, wherein, in use: the language learning interface control module may be configured for displaying the language learning interface comprising a plurality of sentences comprising a plurality of words, each word comprising an associated and adjacently displayed translation and wherein the display of each adjacently displayed translation may be configured in accordance with translation display states retrieved from the display state table; and the display state toggle control module may be configured for receiving translation display state toggle instructions from the learner and update the display states of the display state table accordingly.

[80] The words table may be configured for further storing associated pronunciations for the words and wherein, in use, the language learning interface control module may be configured for displaying the language learning interface wherein each word further may comprise an associated and adjacently displayed pronunciation and wherein the display of each adjacently displayed pronunciation may be configured in accordance with pronunciation display states retrieved from the display state table. [81] The data base further may comprise a sentences table for storing sentences, the sentences table stored in relation to the words table and wherein, in use, the computing device may be configured for selecting sentences from the sentences table in accordance with display states retrieved from the display state table.

[82] The data base further may comprise a stories table for storing stories, articles, topics and the like, the stories table stored in relation to at least one of a sentences table and the words table and wherein, in use, the computing device may be configured for selecting stories from the stories table in accordance with display states retrieved from the display state table.

[83] In use, the computing device may be further configured for retrieving third-party content and wherein the software modules may comprise a translator module configured for translating the third- party content for the purpose of storing the words and the at least associated translation within the words table.

[84] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[85] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[86] Figure 1 shows a computer system for generating a language learning interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[87] Figure 2 shows an exemplary sentence sequence displayed by the language learning interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[88] Figure 3 shows a further exemplary sentence sequence displayed by the language learning interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Description of Embodiments

[89] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure.

[90] Before the structures, systems and associated methods relating to the language learning interface are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the disclosure will be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

[91] In describing and claiming the subject matter of the disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

[92] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[93] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterised by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[94] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

Language learning

[95] Turning now to figure 1, there is shown a computing device 2 for generating a language learning interface 14. As will become apparent from the ensuing description, the language learning interface 14 is configured for language learning through introducing new words progressively in context through sentences and stories.

[96] The language learning interface 15 allows the learner's brain to create memory hooks and mind maps to learn a new language in a manner aligned with the way in which the brain is inherently hardwired to do so.

[97] As will be appreciated from the ensuing description, the language learning interface 15 has been designed so as to be effortless, fun and addictive wherein only one screen is displayed to the learner at a time allowing the learner to utilise simple user interaction gestures, such as single clicks, double clicks, swipes, holds and the like.

[98] Further specifically, in embodiments, the language learning interface 14 implements a "focus" concept wherein words to be learnt are brought into focus in sequence wherein the sequence may be determined by the computing device 2.

[99] Once a learner has learnt a word, the language learning interface 14 allows the learner to flag the word as 'learnt' and it is dropped from focus and the next word introduced.

[100] For example, if the word 'and' is brought into focus, sentences which contain the word 'and' will be purposefully presented to the user more frequently than sentences that do not contain the word 'and'. This is to reinforce the learning of the word 'and' until it is learnt. Then, once the user has learnt the word 'and', sentences containing the word 'and' are no longer purposefully presented to the user, and instead the next word that is brought into focus are then purposefully presented to the user more frequently.

[101] In embodiments, the computing device 2 may be configured such that each word has, for example, 100 associated sample sentences with which the word may be to learnt.

[102] Further, each word may a link to a story or topic such that stories/articles are selected for display by the interface in terms of how many words in the story/article the learner has learnt and can read. By doing so, learners have a purpose to learning a group of words - to read a story of article.

[103] Alternatively, the computing device 2 may be configured such that learners can read articles and stories and learn as they go along including in being able to select the number of words the learner can focus on simultaneously.

[104] In a further embodiment, the language learning interface 15 may implement the 'sequence' concept wherein the sequence determines how the learner works through the word lists. In embodiments, a sequence is configurable in that, for example:

a. Learners learn words according to the story or articles.

b. Learners learn words with a particular theme e.g. accounting, business, cooking, etc. c. Learners learn words according to a particular structure e.g. TOEIC or JLPT. d. Learners learns words according to generally accepted principals of language study e.g. basic sentence first, past tense next, volitional tense next, verbs, then adjectives, etc.

e. Children learn words that interest them e.g. ball, toy, colours, fun, etc. f. Learners may upload a base text, e.g. emails, or content relevant to them, and the program creates a sequence based on the frequency of words.

[105] A computing device 1 for generating the language learning interface will now be described in further detail with reference to the exemplary functional schematic provided in figure 1.

[106] In embodiments, the specific computing implementation may be varied within the purposive scope of the embodiments described herein such as wherein the computing implementation takes the form of client/server architecture such as by comprising a web server configured for serving the language learning interface 15 to a plurality of client computing devices across the Internet or a standalone computing device such as one configured with a downloadable software application "app" such as a mobile communication device such as an Apple iPhone or the like executing a language learning app.

[107] However, and primarily for illustrative convenience, the computing implementation provided in figure 1 is a stand-alone computing device implementation. [108] As such, the computing device 2 comprises a software application 1 comprising a plurality of software modules as will be described herein. The software application 1 operate in conjunction with data stored within a database 8.

[109] Furthermore, the computing device 2 comprises a display device 13 for displaying the language learning interface 14.

[110] Now, the software modules 1 comprises an interface control module 7 configured for controlling the display and operation of the language learning interface 14.

[Ill] In this regard, the language learning interface 14 is configured for displaying a sentences control 15 configured for displaying a plurality of sentences to the learner. Each sentence comprises a plurality of words 17. Furthermore, each word 17 comprises an associated and adjacently displayed translation 16. In embodiments, other adjacently displayed information may be provided such as pronunciations 18.

[112] Specifically, the database 8 may comprises a words table 11 comprising a plurality of words. The words within the words table 11 may comprise associated translations, pronunciations and the like so as to allow the sentences control 15 to display the associated translations and pronunciations along each word 17.

[113] Now, the interface control 7 further comprises a toggle control 6. The toggle control 6 is configured for allowing the learner to toggle on and off the adjacently displayed translation 16 and pronunciation 18 for each word 17. In this manner, and as alluded to above, as each word is learnt by the learner, the learner may elect to turn off the associated translation, pronunciation or the like.

[114] As such, and as will be described in further detail below with references to figures 2 and 3, toggle control 6 is configured for allowing the sentences control 15 to display a translation toggle control 16 to control the display or non-display of the associated translation for each word 17 and, in embodiments, a pronunciation toggle control 18 configured for allowing the learner to control the display or nondisplay of the associated pronunciation. In other embodiments, other information may be displayed adjacent each word 17, such as symbolic representations, hieroglyphs and the like for non-Roman character languages.

[115] As can be seen from the database 8, the database file comprises a learners table 12 for storing learner identification/profile data. Furthermore, the database 8 comprises a display states table 19 relating to learner table 12 and the words table 11. In this manner, the display states stored within the display states table 19 is configured for allowing the computing device 2 to record which words have been learnt by the learner.

[116] It should be noted that separate display states may be stored in relation to the translations and pronunciations within the display states table 19 where such is implemented. [117] As such, each time the learner operates the translation toggle control 16 or the pronunciation toggle control 18, the toggle control 6 of the software modules 1 updates the associated display state flag within the display states table 19.

[118] As such, when learning a new language, a learner may not recognise the vast majority of foreign words of the new language. However, as the learner continues reading, the learner will learn new words one by one at which stage the learner will flag the appropriate word as having been learnt by utilising the associated translation toggle control 16 pronunciation toggle control 18.

[119] As alluded to above, and as can be further seen from the database 8 represented in figure 1, the words table 11 may be stored in relation to sentences stored within the sentences table 10.

[120] In this manner, the computing device 2 may be able to present the various sentences for display by the sentences control 15. As alluded to above, in embodiments, the computing device 2 may be configured to select sentences from the sentences table 10 so as to focus on particular words which are yet to be learned by the user. Furthermore, the sentences 10 may be stored in relation to stories, articles and the like within stories table 9. In this manner, the computing device, in embodiments, may implement differing sequences as alluded to above, depending on learner interests.

[121] In embodiments, the language learner may utilise the computing device 2 to read third-party content 3.

[122] For example, an English-speaking language learner may wish to read a Japanese news publication. In this manner, the language learner would configure the computing device 2 to periodically retrieve the Japanese language content accordingly. In this embodiment, the modules 1 may comprise a translator 1 configured for translating the Japanese words into English so as to be able to display the English or Japanese word 17 and the associated translation 16.

[123] In embodiments, the computing device 2 may be configured for analysing the words the learner wishes to learn, so as to be able to determine the sequence the words (target words) the user wants to learn, and to present those words more frequently and more often than other words to the learner.

[124] Specifically, the computing device 2 may analyse the 3^rd party content provided by the learner to create the sequence of words to be in focus that is tailored to the individual learner's needs.

[125] For example, a lawyer learner might load a contract so that the computing device 2 will present the words "contract" or "litigation" to the learner sooner. Similarly, the computing device 2 may user words such as "bandage" or "surgery" more for doctors who upload or nominate medical- related content. [126] Further, in embodiments, the computing device 2 may inspect metadata of the uploads as a means to understand the type of content the learner wishes to learn so that the content generation can be focused on that type of content.

[127] In embodiments, the software modules 1 may comprise a scheduler module 4 for configuring regular language learning schedules.

[128] In a further embodiment, the software modules 1 may comprise a synthesiser module 5 for converting text-to-speech so as to allow the language learner to receive audio cues. In other embodiments, the synthesiser module 5 may convert speech to text so as to allow the language learner to interact verbally.

Language learning interface examples

[129] Turning now to figure 2, there is shown an exemplary language learning interface sequence primarily for illustrative purposes to describe a learner learning the English language.

[130] As can be seen, the sequence may comprise a plurality of sentences 20 which are retrieved from the sentences table 10 for display by the sentences control 15.

[131] Now, the sequences comprise a first sequence 21 comprising a first sentence selected from the sentences table 10.

[132] In this first sequence and associated translation 16 and, in embodiments, a pronunciation 18 is displayed for each word of the sentence. However, the language learner recognises the word "the" and therefore elects to turn off both the translation and the pronunciation for the word.

[133] Furthermore, the language learner recognises the word "a" but is not entirely certain of the pronunciation thereof. As such, for this word, the language learner elects to turn off only the translation not the pronunciation.

[134] As such, for the next sequence 22, the language learning interface 14 displays a new sentence but, as can be seen, neither the translation nor the pronunciation of the word "the" is displayed because the display statuses within the display states table 19 indicate that the learner has selected to toggle off both the translation and the pronunciation.

[135] Furthermore, for the word "a", only the pronunciation is shown because, similarly, the display states stored within the display states table 19 indicate that the learner is only elected to turn off the translation of the word.

[136] Now, for this exemplary sequence 22, the learner may utilise the translation toggle control 16 and the pronunciation toggle control 18 elect to turn off the translation for the word "in", turn off the pronunciation for the word "a" and turn of the pronunciation for the word "live". As alluded to above, the toggle control 16 of the interface control 17 updates the corresponding display states relating the learner and the words will within the display states table 19.

[137] As such, for the next sequence 23, the language learning interface 14 displays the next sentence by omitting the above-described pronunciations and translations which have been toggled off by the learner.

Sentence selection and display by word focus

[138] As alluded to above, in embodiments, the computing device 2 may be configured to focus on particular words which remained to be learned by the learner.

[139] For example, by relating words to sentences in the database, the computing device 2 is able to select appropriate sentences 10 comprising words remaining to be learned by the learner.

[140] For example, the computing device 2 may be configured to select sentenced comprising the most number of words which have yet to be learned by the learner.

[141] For example, when presenting sentences comprising words and receiving translation display toggle instructions for certain of the words, the computing device you will to is able to identify those words remaining, therefore being words remaining to be learned by the user.

[142] As such, when subsequently selecting the next sentence for display, the next sentence to be selected may comprise sentences including those words to be learned and wherein, in embodiments, sentences may be selected comprising sentences comprising the most number of words to be learnt by the user.

Sequence content gathering

[143] Furthermore, and as also alluded to above, the computing device 2 may be configured for implementing sequences so as to allow the learner to focus on preferential content.

[144] For example, for male children language learners, the computing device 2 may be configured to focus on stories comprising heroic action figures, tales of adventure and the like.

[145] As such, in accordance with this embodiment, the computer device level 2 may select sentences and/or articles in accordance with a learner demographic, such as gender, age and the like such that the sentences displayed may be relevant and of interest to the learner.

[146] Furthermore, in embodiments, the computing device 2 may utilise frequency analysis or other statistical technique to identify "basic" and "advanced" words.

[147] In this manner, when learning a new language, the computing device 2 may be configured to present sentences comprising 'basic' words until such time that these basic words have been mastered and then select sentences comprising more advanced words. Variations of the language learning interface 14

[148] Turning now to figure 3, there is shown a variation of the language learning interface 14 wherein every word 26 is displayed alongside:

a. A phonetic reading (pronunciation) 25;

b. A native language translation 26;

c. a group meaning, to group words together (particularly for idioms) 27; and d. a full sentence meaning 28.

[149] As can be appreciated from the differences between the first sequence 29 and a second sequence 30 the interface 14 in accordance with this further embodiment may yet allow for the selective display or nondisplay (toggling) of associated translations, pronunciations and the like. In that in sequence 30, for specific words the user already knows how to pronounce, the pronunciation(s) 25 have been toggled by the user to nondisplay.

[150] Similarly, for specific words the user already knows the meaning of, the translation(s) 26 has been toggled by the user to nondisplay.

[151] Additionally, in embodiments, the user may hide the display of the group meaning 27, or (as in the example provided in Figure 3) may elect to display the group meaning 27 if the user so desires.

[152] Similarly, the full sentence meaning 28 can also be toggled on (as in the example provided in Figure 3) and off, so as to allow more advanced learners to dispense with seeing the full sentence as their level of ability increases and the focus more on building vocabulary rather than learning sentences.

Interpretation

Wireless:

[153] The invention may be embodied using devices conforming to other network standards and for other applications, including, for example other WLAN standards and other wireless standards. Applications that can be accommodated include IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs and links, and wireless Ethernet.

[154] In the context of this document, the term "wireless" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices do not contain any wires, although in some embodiments they might not. In the context of this document, the term "wired" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices are coupled by electrically conductive wires.

Processes:

[155] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", "analysing" or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.

Processor:

[156] In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computer" or a "computing device" or a "computing machine" or a "computing platform" may include one or more processors.

[157] The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken are included. Thus, one example is a typical processing system that includes one or more processors. The processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM.

Computer-Readable Medium :

[158] Furthermore, a computer-readable carrier medium may form, or be included in a computer program product. A computer program product can be stored on a computer usable carrier medium, the computer program product comprising a computer readable program means for causing a processor to perform a method as described herein.

Networked or Multiple Processors:

[159] In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. The one or more processors may form a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

[160] Note that while some diagram(s) only show(s) a single processor and a single memory that carries the computer-readable code, those in the art will understand that many of the components described above are included, but not explicitly shown or described in order not to obscure the inventive aspect. For example, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

Additional Embodiments:

[161] Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer- readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a method, an apparatus such as a special purpose apparatus, an apparatus such as a data processing system, or a computer-readable carrier medium. The computer-readable carrier medium carries computer readable code including a set of instructions that when executed on one or more processors cause a processor or processors to implement a method. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a method, an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of carrier medium (e.g., a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium) carrying computer-readable program code embodied in the medium.

Carrier Medium :

[162] The software may further be transmitted or received over a network via a network interface device. While the carrier medium is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term "carrier medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "carrier medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by one or more of the processors and that cause the one or more processors to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. A carrier medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.

Implementation :

[163] It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention is not limited to any particular programming language or operating system.

Means For Carrying out a Method or Function

[164] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a processor device, computer system, or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

Connected

[165] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term connected, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A connected to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

Embodiments:

[166] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[167] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[168] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[169] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[170] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[171] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

[172] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[173] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[174] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[175] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A language learning interface configured to display:

a first target language sentence;

a first at least one native language translation associated with the first target language sentence; and

at least one native language translation display toggle control for the at least one native language translation;

receive a native language translation display toggle instruction from the at least one native language translation display toggle control for the at least one native language translation; and display:

a second target language sentence; and

a second at least one native language translation associated with the second target language sentence and wherein the second least one native language translation does not include the first at least one native language translation.

2. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the least one native language translation is a plurality of native language translations for each word of each target language sentence.

3. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the least one native language translation is a plurality of native language translations for group meanings of each target language sentence.

4. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the least one native language translation is a full sentence meaning of each target language sentence.

5. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the language learning interface is further configured to display:

a first at least one target language pronunciation associated with the first target language sentence; and

at least one target language pronunciation display toggle control for the at least one target language pronunciation;

receive a target language pronunciation display toggle instruction from the at least one target language pronunciation display toggle control for the at least one native language translation; and

display a second at least one target language pronunciation associated with the second target language sentence and wherein the second least one target language pronunciation does not include the first at least one target language pronunciation.

6. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 5, wherein the least one target language pronunciation is a plurality of target language pronunciations for each word of each target language sentence.

7. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second target language sentence is selected in accordance with the native language translation display toggle instruction.

8. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one target word is identified from the first target language sentence and the native language translation display toggle instruction and wherein the second target language sentence is selected in accordance with the at least one target word.

9. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second target language sentence is selected by at least one user demographic.

10. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second target language sentence is selected in accordance with a word classification.

11. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 10, wherein the word classification is a complexity classification.

12. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 11, wherein the complexity classification is classified in accordance with word usage frequency analysis.

13. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second target language sentence is extracted from target content.

14. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 13, wherein the target content is user specified.

15. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 13, wherein the target content is selected in accordance with the native language translation display toggle instruction.

16. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 13, wherein the target content is selected by at least one user demographic.

17. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least one target word is identified from the first target language sentence and the native language translation display toggle instruction and wherein the target content is selected in accordance with the at least one target word.

18. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one target word is identified from target content and wherein the second target language sentence is extracted from further target content selected according to the least one target word.

19. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a text-to-speech speech synthesiser to speech synthesise at least one of the language sentences and native language translations.

20. A language learning interface as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a speech-to-text interface to convert user speech into the native language translation display toggle instruction.