Will this concept help

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Hello Members,I have been working on this concept to learn new word for quite some time - http://www.megavocab.com/dictionary-definition-excruciating.html My question to you guys is 1) Does it help ? Are you able to rember the meaning ?2) Any changes you suggest to improve the content quality ?Looking forward to  your reply /suggestionRegardsKim

Kimberly Price · Accepted Answer

Here is the youtube video of the same concept -

http://youtu.be/qyy7FkKDfIU

JohnParis · Answer

You are aware of the gross mispronunciation of the word "presents" is the intro of your YouTube video, aren't you?

"Mega Vocab presents..."

.... you mispronounce the word "presents" as a noun ('pre z?nts, as in Christmas presents") with emphasis on the first syllable.

.... the word "presents", as you wish to use it, is a verb and should be pronounced "pri 'z?nts"- emphasis on the second syllable

It sounds as if the voice in your video is computer generated.

It has all the humanness of a cardboard box.

Moreover, the battle between the two ways people pronounce "tomato" hinges on pronunciation of the vowel "a".

Some say tomato should be pronounced using a long "a". Others insist upon pronouncing the word with a short "a". You will need to figure out a way for your computer to recognize long and short vowels and when to use them.

Potato, Potato - either, either - neither, neither.

Get it?

Kimberly Price · Answer

Thanks for the detailed review. From what I understand the computer generated vocice is an issue ... will try and figure out a way to use human voice , since it may not be possible to get vocie for all range of actors in the scenes.

Just one question, is the concept worth it ? does it help ? the goal here is to learn advance english words...

JohnParis · Answer

The idea of trying to find a novel and interesting way to boost acquiring better and more complex vocabulary is, without a doubt, a good one.

Use of semi-animated "mangas", bright colors, clever context and an IT based platform are all fantastic concepts. However, if your goal is to sell this concept to anyone, then you will need to resolve the pronunciation problem before you will be taken seriously. Imagine that you were in the business of developing and selling text books. If your books were printed with inferior ink and the pages fell out when you opened the book for the first time - regardless of the content - no one would buy them. Such a basic defect renders the entire product ineffective.

Frankly, most online dictionaries now offer audio clips of the pronunciation of any word requested. Your idea of providing a short scenario through which the learner can acquire new vocabulary is very interesting. Your desire to keep costs to a minimum and use computer-generated voices in place of human actors is totally understandable. Nevertheless, do not lose sight of the fact that languages are spoken by human beings and - more importantly - HEARD by human beings. We are the only species that has language, and acquiring language is composed of speaking and hearing it.

Reflect upon developing a business plan that takes into consideration using human beings to record your short scenarios. I know of several people that may be interested in such an idea. You may contact me by email (it's on my profile) if you wish.

Kimberly Price · Answer

Thanks John for helping out ...

Just to put things in context ... This is more of a hobby for me ... something once created my kids could learn from ... and yes its free

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