Tell me, I’ll forget. Show me, I’ll remember. Involve me, I’ll understand.
This Chinese proverb encapsulates the strengths of The TALKING DICTIONARY package as a teaching and learning resource that spans many age groups, as well as school, home, health, travel, leisure, recreational and workplace contexts.
But what exactly is The Talking Dictionary?
The Talking Dictionary is the only audio visual language reference tool that links key words and phrases to detailed full-colour illustrations in a comprehensive book and incorporates Callfinder® technology where readers can listen to the pronunciation of terms and phrases in different languages, using the Callfinder® device. Users have the opportunity to experience immersive language learning while limiting screen-time that other, similar tools demand. Not only does the Callfinder® provide pronunciation of words, but there are also sound effects such as animal calls and musical excerpts to enhance understanding and language acquisition. Language learners build vocabulary and confidence as they SEE, HEAR and LEARN.
So far, seven South African languages are available; English comes standard, and the package includes one (additional) language of your choosing (standard package includes dictionary, language Callfinder® and wordlist booklet for the language selected). Every language sought thereafter, is sold separately and includes a language sticker that activates the respective language on the Callfinder®, as well as a wordlist booklet containing the spelling and translation of all English words, for that language.
The Talking Dictionary features various themes that are further subdivided into topics. These are visually appealing, rich in detail and make language learning fun and applicable to the world we live in. There are over 2,000 colour illustrations and more than 5,000 words as well as additional terms, abstract nouns, verbs, current terminology and common phrases. The book can be thoroughly enjoyed even without the Callfinder® component. It is a user-friendly, must-have cherished family book to be enjoyed for years, at school and at home, and in fact just about anywhere!
I use it especially for my children with dyslexia – it’s amazing to be able to see their faces when they hear the sound. My one young client said: “Now I can read”.
I also use it for one of the children who has a cochlear implant, she was just as excited to hear the different animals and bird sounds.
The feedback from parents when I show them is really one of disbelief.
It opens so many doors for second language users – be it Afrikaans, Tswana or English.
Petro Erasmus – Speech therapist
The package has the potential to be used in a wide variety of educational contexts
The design, content and presentation of the package make it suitable for learners of all ages – especially in the development of visual literacy and language acquisition in Home Language and Additional Language/s.
Learners in the Foundation Phase are expected to be at the stage of ‘Learning to read’, while learners in the Intermediate Phase are in the stage of ‘Reading to learn’. The thematic structure of the book, in conjunction with the many illustrations, lends itself to the use in both ‘A learning to read and a reading to learn’ situation.
But it is not just for school use
The package can be used by tourists and business travellers alike who want to familiarise themselves with the country and one or more of the languages commonly spoken.
No matter the age – this is a fantastic resource to use to familiarise yourself and learn a new language – I know I will be doing so.
For more information and pricing about this fantastic resource, visit their website: www.briza.co.za/talkingdictionary
Writers note: This is not a paid promotion, it is just a product that I believe in.
