Hypertext in cognate‐language learning

A project to investigate and evaluate the use of hypertext as a tool for developing CALL systems and develop software which would aid the development of reading ability in a foreign language based on the knowledge of a related language.

Abstract

Abstract This paper reports on the results of and experiences gained from a project to investigate and evaluate the use of hypertext as a tool for developing CALL systems. The type of CALL system implemented was to some extent influenced by the desire to experiment with hypertext. Its novel features seemed to indicate that it would be ideal for the development of a cognate‐language learning package i.e. software which would aid the development of reading ability in a foreign language based on the knowledge of a related language. Accordingly, a package was developed which provides the ‘same’ prose passages in French and Spanish (with English normally operating as the first language). A reader is able to browse in one of these languages, trying to understand the meaning by either interpolating between cognate words or by moving between the identical passages of two (or even three) of the languages.