A Universal Infrastructure for Learning Languages through Cultural Activities: The ENACT Web App

Abstract

[ENACT](https://enacteuropa.com/) is a free web app developed at Newcastle University UK, co-funded by the European Union. The app enables people to learn aspects of foreign languages while performing a meaningful real-world task which enables them to experience the culture of the foreign language. Users can learn a foreign language through the foreign culture by carrying out a cultural activity. Learn Māori while you’re making a poi ball! Devices will guide users through the stages of doing the activity through structured interactive content using photos, text, audio and video to help them. People can use the ENACT Author to create their own favourite cultural activity in their own language so that anyone else round the world can use it to learn the language and culture. ENACT has been used by over 11,000 people in 153 countries.In this presentation, I will provide an overview of the project aims, introduce the task-based language teaching and online interactive material design principles underlying the app design, and briefly demonstrate the key features of the ENACT app: the interactive player, the author, and the community. I will discuss my experience of collecting Māori materials during my last trip to NZ in 2022 show those materials. I will also update on our latest materials for learning Chinese. During the Q A, we can explore opportunities for producing materials for other cultures and languages.