Computer game for learning English.


Now that's a novel idea.
from:
UK spin-out computer game shown to enhance children's language skills
....

The Phonomena game, developed by MindWeavers, teaches children to recognise and distinguish between word sounds and adapts to each student's ability and learning speed.
....

MindWeavers is now beginning trials in Japan where the game will be used to teach English as a foreign language. Mr Robinson explained that Japan was selected because of the differences between the English and Japanese languages which cause Japanese native speakers to struggle when learning English. Because the phonemes 'r' and 'l' do not exist in Japanese, language students cannot hear the difference between them and are unable to make the sounds themselves. 'Assuming that the results are positive, our primary focus here will be adults in the business sector. But there is clearly scope to extend it to Japanese children, for home use, as they start learning English early and adore computer games.

Another potential market is that of non-native English speakers in the US who need to learn English in order to enter into the job market.

The web site for the game developer is:
http://www.mindweavers.co.uk

Posted: Thu - August 28, 2003 at 10:07 PM            

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