Innovative Swedish software can help you expand your vocabulary rapidly, using words and images.

It is generally accepted that the best way to learn any foreign language is by living in the country in question. However, it is not always that simple, especially in countries like Switzerland, where many people not only speak English fluently, but all too often want to use you as an audience for their linguistic talents.

So even if you are thinking moving to Switzerland, or are already here, simply immersing yourself in the daily life of the country will not be enough. Luckily, help is at hand, in the shape of Vocalex, a new form of teaching software from Lingusoft. 

Quite simply, learning a new language shouldn’t be a chore, it should be fun. Thanks to Vocalex language learning software, it can be. 

The company has developed a tailor made software called Vocalex, which helps you expand your vocabulary using words and images. As the ‘student’, as well as being able to see pictures of the words you are learning, you can also hear a native speaker pronounce it for you, giving you two different ways of picking things up. 

It is this novel approach, built on pictures rather than words, that differentiates Lingusoft’s products from the more traditional learning tools on the market. Vocalex works in effect as a visual dictionary, where all words are explained by way of illustrations instead of just straight translations. This makes it easier to pick up and remember vocabulary, as Lingusoft developer and founder Thomas Ingeborn explains:

"Pictures help you remember things much better. We wanted to build on the theory that the best way to develop this product would be by keeping it simple, making sure anyone can use it and most importantly, actually learn something. Using pictures was one way of doing this, another was by emphasising the benefit of repetition. We put them together to create Vocalex."

Vocalex offers a broad dictionary with thousands of words to picture and memorise. Exercises start easy and get harder as you go along. They follow a logical progression, in which you have to complete every exercise to be able to move to the next level. Advanced users can choose for themselves which exercises to do, meaning the software suits learners at all levels. 

Whether you are learning German, French, Italian or any other language with Lingusoft, the focus is on making it easy, effective, good value and fun. 

Vocalex contains over 1600 words and illustrations with voice recordings showing correct pronunciation, where all the words are presented by teachers working in their native language. Language teachers, educationalists and experts in human-computer interaction from Stockholm University have been closely involved in the development of the software.

All too often, a foreign language is taught purely for academic rather than practical reasons. If you are on your way to Switzerland, or you have arrived and are looking to get a good grasp of the language without needing or wanting to do so in a classroom setting, Lingusoft will give you the best possible start... and best of all, you will have fun doing it.

Article sponsored by Vocalex

Related links:

• http://www.vocalex.se:8080/web/faces/en/index.xhtml