Intelligent Computer Assisted Language Learning (ICALL) fornêhiyawêwin: An In-Depth User-Experience Evaluation

Abstract

Intelligent computer assisted language learning (ICALL) applications for Indigenous languages are a relatively new avenue for computer assisted language learning (CALL). CALL allows language learners to practise a wide range of grammatical exercises and receive feedback on their answers outside of class time. ICALL is essential for dynamically producing these exercises for polysynthetic Indigenous languages with complex morphology. To better understand user perceptions and behaviours within an ICALL setting, an in-depth user evaluation of nêhiyawêtân (a university-level ICALL application for Plains Cree) was initiated. Five second language learners of Plains Cree were recorded using nêhiyawêtân as they completed various grammatical exercises. They were encouraged to report their opinions, thoughts, and observations aloud. Subsequently, observed user reactions and strategies were recorded. This supplied us with potential user errors, strategies, and preferences that allowed us to improve answer feedback and the design and interface of the exercise templates. Moreover, the results of surveys and observations highlighted sociocultural issues that are not seen in mainstream CALL for majority languages. We hope that this evaluation will serve as a guideline for evaluating future ICALL programs for Indigenous and other minority languages.

Documentación de lenguas amenazadas en la época digital

“…Estas reglas pueden usarse directamente para un análisis automático de texto y para conjugar lemas en sus variantes morfológicas. Se utilizan los transductores y los diccionarios para herramientas como corrección ortográfica en Word 1 , predicción de texto en teclados de Android e iOS 2 , sistemas interactivos para aprender lenguas (BONTOGON et al, 2018) y diccionarios en línea (RUETER y HÄMÄLÄINEN, 2017). Nuestra infraestructura está basada en Giella, lo que nos permite sincronizar los datos entre las dos infraestructuras.…”

Indigenous language technologies: Anti-colonial oases in a colonizing (digital) world

“…For languages with fewer speakers, digital transitions are assisting language revitalization through computer assisted language learning (Bontogon et al, 2018;Kazantseva et al, 2018;Lessard et al, 2018). In the Canadian context, this approach is responsive to the needs of language communities involved in language revitalization through structured language teaching and acquisition programs.…”

Breathing life back into the stories: Creating the circle of Indigenous languages website

“…Text-To-Speech has potential for applications like ereaders and talking books for learners working to improve proficiency. Developers working on TTS synthesis understand the work is critical especially when the availability of firstlanguage speakers is rapidly diminishing across all Indigenous language groups (Bontogon et al, 2018;Littell et al, 2018).…”

“…Like the COIL project, Bontogon et al (2018) discuss using technology to support nēhiyawēwin (Cree language) learning in higher education where the main community involvement was the contribution of audio recordings. While an adult learner can learn morphology and structure of the nēhiyawēwin (Cree language) through a university course, it is the oral practice and intonations most easily accessed and practised through recordings that move learners to higher levels of usage and retaining the language (Belcourt, 2021).…”