The Venture
A Virtual Reality world where learners can practice in a Mandarin speaking environment.
THE PROBLEM
When it comes to learning a foreign language such as Mandarin Chinese, one the main issues that learners face is the opportunity of listening and speaking the target language. There has been a demand for learning Mandarin Chinese. Learners use resources such as apps, books and sign up for language course in order to learn the language. However, learning a language also requires practice. Living in a non-Mandarin Chinese speaking environment, makes it challenging for students to become fluent.
The question is: Can we offer students a Mandarin Chinese environment without the need of having them to travel to China?
THE SOLUTION ... SO FAR
Language courses:
In language courses instructors attempt to create in-class real-life situations where students communicate among each other using the target language. However, how much time can the instructor devote listening and correcting each student’s mistake? Does each student get the same chance to practice or use the target language as everyone else?
Books and Apps:
Books and apps act as alternative resources that can contribute to language learning. These might provide essential conversation phrases, but how realistic is that? Apps allow learners to mimic the robotic phrases produced by the app, is that enough?
THE NEW SOLUTION
VR HelloChinese
Constant language exposure or immersion is key to language learning. The immersive experience provides learners additional exposure (listening and speaking skills) on the target language.
The platform that we develop combines virtual reality and artificial intelligence that can assess learners’ Mandarin skills. Learners would be immersed in a Mandarin speaking world with different real-life scenarios where they would need to interact with other characters in the target language in order to complete the task.
Even in the real world, when learners travel to China they might feel nervous or even afraid of speaking in Mandarin. This new imaginary Mandarin speaking world offers users the chance to immerse themselves in alternative world. They can have unlimited opportunities to practice in different real-life scenarios. Being relaxed and not having the pressure of not knowing what to say, would enable them to improve their linguistic abilities.
With millions of users with the current app we have, we are asking investors to fund the development of VR HelloChinese. By doing so, we will be expanding our services; attracting new customers and retain our old customers, who are seeking new ways improve their Mandarin Chinese skills.
WHO IS VR HELLOCHINESE FOR?
VR HelloChinese is for everyone. We aim to cater different types of users (children, teenagers and adults) customizing their needs by setting a VR environment suitable to their current Mandarin skills. VR HelloChinese would have two modes: VR Artificial Intelligence (VR AI) and VR Live.
VR AI is designed with Artificial Intelligence characters where learners can interact with the pre-designed real- life scenarios practicing listening and speaking.
VR LIVE are scheduled live sessions where users can meet and participate in live virtual events. In these events, learners would meet other users and practice Mandarin. Sessions would be monitored by Mandarin Instructors to assess learner’s skills and answer any questions they have.
NOT ONLY STUDENTS... EDUCATORS TOO!
Educators can set specific scenarios such as: ordering food, asking for directions or even going to the supermarket. These would be typical scenarios that at Mandarin learner would encounter while in China. Instructors would be able to monitor students’ performance and progress, and understand where the student needs to make reinforcement.
