Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback

Mobile Virtual Learning for Indigenous Languages

Funder: European CommissionProject code: 2019-1-UK01-KA204-061875
Funded under: ERASMUS+ | Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices | Strategic Partnerships for adult education Funder Contribution: 211,847 EUR

Mobile Virtual Learning for Indigenous Languages

Description

2019 has been proclaimed as the International Year of Indigenous Languages (UN Resolution 71178 on the Rights of Indigenous People). The steady decline and in some cases the critical loss of such languages have brought to the fore efforts for the promotion and revitalisation of endangered and minority languages in general. Against this backdrop, the EU is committed to safeguard the existence and the future of what it calls Endangered Languages. The Council of Europe’s Charter for Regional or Minority Languages specifically emphasises education and language learning as key priorities, given the lack of provision of education within minority language communities; in some states forexample the only possibility of learning the often endangered minority language is as a ‘foreign’ language subject.In this context, the priorities of our project are aligned with EU priorities and initiatives to protect and promote the EU’s 128 endangered languages (see 2013 report by the EP DG “Endangered Languages and Linguistic Diversity in the European Union”). According toUNESCO a language is endangered when its speakers stop using it or use it less often and stop passing it on to the next generation.Our project, IndyLan, will develop an educational tool designed specifically for users to learn not only some of Europe’s endangered languages but also more about the cultures of the people who speak these languages. The tool constitutes a gamified language-learning solution in the form of a mobile application. Smartphones have become a popular educational tool and the number of the smartphone and tablet users of all ages is constantly growing in the EU. The IndyLan application will help speakers of English, Spanish, Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish to learn Gaelic (designated as ‘definitely endangered’), Scots (‘severely endangered’), Cornish (‘critically endangered’), Basque (‘severely endangered’), Galician (a minority language) and Saami (‘severely endangered’). The application is building on a previous project, Moving Languages, with the key difference that IndyLan will produce one application for all languages, and not multiple language-specific applications as Moving Languages did. IndyLan will contain around 4,000 vocabulary items (both terms and expressions) in about 100 categories. The modes that will be available in the application are: Vocabulary; Phrases; Dialogues; Grammar; Culture; Test.The vocabulary can be practised in several study modes, such as (the list below is indicative):1. Flashcards for image+text practice2. Choose the image according to the word3. Select translation 4. Multiple choice with images 5. Multiple choice with words6. Matching7. Choose the letters 8. Write the missing word 9. Listening comprehension (with audio files) Most of the items will be illustrated for easy concept recognition. There will be audio for all vocabulary, phrases, dialogues etc. The app will also include a dedicated Culture tab with texts, music and images, where users will be able to learn more about the heritage and culture of the people speaking the selected endangered languages.The IndyLan application will be available for download globally for free in both iOS and Android. Like all language-learning apps, IndyLan is complementary to other language- and culture courses and can be considered to be part of self-study material. Our vision is for the IndyLan app to contribute to endangered language learning and revitalisation so that these languages remain alive and relevant in contemporary societies and economies.

Data Management Plans
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback

Do the share buttons not appear? Please make sure, any blocking addon is disabled, and then reload the page.

All Research products
arrow_drop_down
<script type="text/javascript">
<!--
document.write('<div id="oa_widget"></div>');
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.openaire.eu/index.php?option=com_openaire&view=widget&format=raw&projectId=erasmusplus_::35c728c9e30dc7d279aad3befdead3ef&type=result"></script>');
-->
</script>
For further information contact us at helpdesk@openaire.eu

No option selected
arrow_drop_down