Alexandria

Case Study

Why is language acquisition so evasive for the majority of language learners? Why has decades of grammar rules, repetition drills, and computer-assisted learning shown only limited success? In recent years, research surrounding both second language acquisition as well as literacy has shown that language acquisition occurs when we comprehend messages alongside its surrounding context ^[1]. More specifically, the “input hypothesis” states that we acquire language in one way and one way only: when we understand messages, and when we obtain comprehensive input.

With this very specific language learning need in mind, a number of web applications has been created in recent years. Language learning enthusiasts have embraced those platforms to supplement their language learning journey.

Despite a choice of platforms that range from open source to paid software, there are shortcomings. The language learning enthusiast in our team has identified a number of weaknesses that Alexandria seeks to address.