This paper describes the development of an intelligent computer-assisted language learning (ICALL) system for learning Arabic. This system could be used for learning Arabic by students at primary schools or by learners of Arabic as a second or foreign language. It explores the use of Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques for learning…

This paper describes a series of awareness-raising activities for English language secondary school teachers-in-training -- with a view to evaluating future, that is, "intelligent", CALL for English language teaching. The paper first puts the development of CALL applications into perspective (after Atwell, 1999; Warschauer and Healey,…

Discusses the development of the Adaptive Testing Linguistic Achievement Significance (ATLAS) test used to evaluate second language proficiency of Belgian civil servants. Notes that testers encountered various problems caused by the complexity of language, the difference in background of the candidates and the absence of official objective test…

Gives an overview of the history of the Hawaiian language and the decline in number of speakers, chronicles efforts to revitalize it, and discusses the role of computing and online communications in this process, focusing on the Leoki bulletin board system, the first fully based on an indigenous language. Activities in an elementary school…

This paper describes a CALL approach which integrates software for speaker independent continuous speech recognition with embodied virtual agents and virtual worlds to create an immersive environment in which learners can converse in the target language in contextualised scenarios. The result is a self-access learning package: SPELL (Spoken…

This article discusses design and usability issues pertaining to context-sensitive "help" in computer-assisted language learning (CALL). As part of the discussion, we present a study in which we examined the effects of three independent factors on student usage of context-sensitive "help": feedback, exercise type, and language proficiency. Forty…

In this paper, I report on the findings of a study that investigated non-native speaker interaction in a three dimensional (3D) virtual world that incorporates avatars and text chat known as "Active Worlds." Analysis of the chat transcripts indicated that the 24 intermediate level EFL participants were able to undertake a variety of tasks through…

As Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) supported by synchronous technologies such as Synchronous Learning Management Systems (SLMSs) are still new to distance language professionals, criteria guiding the evaluation of the appropriate SLMSs for Distance Language Education (DLE) are urgently needed. This article proposes and discusses such criteria.…

Explains how the writing process approach utilizing hypermedia software can help non-native speakers develop an awareness of English-language composition structures. Discusses the pedagogical basis for the writing process, as well as the benefits computers and specialized software can bring to the language classroom. (Author/VWL)

There is significant difficulty in learning to spell in a second language with complex orthography, particularly where the students are raised bilingually and have had only limited exposure to the written form of the target language. Such students require tailored remedial work on orthography, which is disruptive for the teacher to organise during…

This article addresses the issue of second language writing, with English as a second language, for advanced learners in a UK university. Confirming research findings about the limitations of second language writing, we examine the translation commentaries written by 14 Chinese students on a MA translation programme and find learner problems in…

Self-study is playing an increasingly important role in the learning and instruction of many subjects, including second and foreign languages. With the rapid development of the internet, language websites for self-study are flourishing. While the language of print-based teaching materials has received some attention, the linguistic and…

Reviews studies on the representation of words and their meanings in bilingual memory. The roles of the following variables in bilingual memory organization are discussed: the level of proficiency in the second language (L2), the strategy of learning the L2, the interval between previous and current use of L2, and the L2 learning environment. (43…

Discusses the design and production of multimedia Danish language materials for classroom or self-access use by learners of Danish as a Second Language and examines issues applicable to other uses of multimedia in language learning. (23 references) (MDM)

Examines a variety of Web-based vocabulary activities currently being used in English reading classes at the University of Aizu in Japan. Provides a brief review of the pedagogical basis for the creation and implementation of Web-based vocabulary, focusing on individualization and feedback capabilities. Describes activities, and discusses…