New app to help children engage with Pidgin language through interactive games, promote language learning and preservation efforts.
A new app called AlphaTitles has been developed to help young children engage with and understand the Pidgin language. This initiative aims to address language barriers that many children face today.
Timothy Matzke, the founder of AlphaTitles, expressed enthusiasm for the project. He believes the app will be particularly useful for children aged three and up, aiding them in grasping language concepts and gaining a better understanding of how languages function. Matzke also hopes the app will contribute to preserving these languages, which are at risk of becoming obsolete.
“We found that many children struggle with spelling and speaking English, so we wanted to make it easier for them by teaching them how to spell in simple Pidgin. This app will help with that,” Matzke explained.
The idea for AlphaTitles was inspired by a workshop Matzke attended last month, where he gathered important information for the app’s development.
“This was during the COVID-19 pandemic when my friend from Mexico talked about how language can be a game changer. Last month, we tested the app,” he added.
With the Solomon Islands being home to 65 different languages, Matzke envisions AlphaTitles becoming a fundamental part of children’s educational platforms, allowing them to learn and build knowledge about these languages through interactive and engaging methods.
“Research has shown that developing good reading and writing skills requires practice, and this app provides a way for children to practice through playing games,” Matzke said.
Matzke currently works for the Solomon Islands Translation Advisory Group (SITAG).
The app initially focuses on Pidgin, incorporating simple games to make learning accessible and enjoyable for young users.
Here is a link to the app:- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZI29cw1Tm1a0zSFM-LxfMbFZqIs0gomr/view
