Method and apparatus for rapid language acquisition
OwnerYoshikazu Kasaharainventor
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Abstract
This invention demonstrates a method and apparatus for learning and mastering a foreign language conversation in a short period of time, by hearing it spoken at variable rates. The methods of side-by-side translation of phrases, and accelerated and decelerated listening, are employed to this end. Appropriate apparatus are described which facilitate these methods. Using this language learning system effectively enhances the listener's power of concentration and information processing capability, resulting in improved language abilities.
Claims14
A method for learning a foreign language conversation comprising the steps of:
- a) listening to a foreign language sentence pronounced at a normal rate,
- b) listening to the same foreign language sentence pronounced at a faster rate, 1.2 to 2.2 times that of the normal rate, on substantially the same pitch of the pronounced sound as that used for usual language pronunciation, and
- c) repeating the ordinary and rapid listening of the steps a) and b).
An apparatus for learning a foreign language conversation which is comprised of a storage means;
- a reproduction means communicated with said storage means;
- and a speaker means communicated with said reproduction means;
- wherein the storage means comprises a first memory for storing first audio information to pronounce a foreign language sentence at a normal rate, and fourth memory for storing fourth audio information to pronounce a foreign language sentence at a faster than the normal rate;
- and
- the fourth memory stores the audio information with adjusted pitch of the pronounced sound, or forwards the audio information from said memory to the reproduction means through a pitch regulator provided in the storage means.
A method of the Five Fundamental Rules for preparing phrase information, comprising the following First to Fifth Rules:
- First Rule:
- An English sentence is divided by inserting a pause after a subject, a predicate verb, an object, a complement, a modifier word or phrase, or a connective word or phrase. The sentence is then translated into Japanese by applying a particle or auxiliary word to each of these units, with certain exceptions. No particle or auxiliary word is applied to predicate verbs, certain adverbs, or to connective words or phrases.
- Second Rule:
- In most cases, a subject and a verb are translated together in a segment so as not to separate those which are consecutive. The Japanese translation is placed after the segment. However, if a modifier word or phrase, or a parenthetical expression, is interposed between a subject and a verb, the subject and verb are translated independently.
- Third Rule:
- When the verb “be” is used as a predicate verb in the second sentence pattern (that is, a sentence with subject, verb and complement), it is translated with the complement as a segment. The Japanese translation is then added after this segment.
- Fourth Rule:
- The corresponding Japanese translation is inserted into each pause that follows a subject, a predicate verb, an object, a complement, a modifier word or phrase, or a connective word or phrase.
- Fifth Rule:
- (1) For a relative pronoun and a relative adverb, the following Japanese translations:
- (2) Who:
- [sosite, sonohito (tachi) wa],
- (3) Whose:
- [sosite, sonohito (tachi) no] or [sosite, sore (ra) no],
- (4) Whom:
- [sosite, sonohito (tachi) o] or [sosite, sonohito (tachi) ni],
- (5) That:
- [sosite, sonohito (tachi) wa] or [sosite, sore (ra) wa],
- (6) Which:
- [sosite, sore (ra) wa],
- (7) In which:
- [sosite, sore (ra) no nakade],
- (8) Of which:
- [sosite, sore (ra) no],
- (9) Where:
- [sosite, sokode],
- (10) When:
- [sosite, sonotoki].
- are used, and added after the appropriate phrase of the English sentence.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.