Like cherries on a tree, words are interconnected; the more you understand them, the better you can communicate and engage with others. This is the goal of the free web application “Apprendere Parole,” developed by linguist and speech therapist Debora Musola from the Logogenia Onlus Cooperative in Verona, with support from organizations like the Cattolica Foundation, Pio Istituto dei Sordi, the Cariplo Foundation, the Bank of Italy, and oversight from the Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation at the University of Padua.
The web app aims to enrich the Italian vocabulary of deaf children, who may have limited linguistic exposure due to their hearing impairment. By presenting language visually on screen, it opens up new avenues for interaction. Additionally, the tool is beneficial for anyone learning Italian as a second language.
Symbolized by a cherry in its logo, “Learning Words” operates on the principle that words, like cherries, lead to others. It’s user-friendly, featuring a dropdown menu for easy navigation across various word categories, including nouns, adjectives, verbs, prepositions, and pronouns.
The app focuses on fundamental Italian vocabulary, frequently used in daily life. Each section offers interactive learning experiences, such as matching words with corresponding drawings, providing immediate feedback to reinforce learning. The system allows for a 50 percent margin of error to prevent overwhelming choices.
Accessible at www.apprendereparole.it, “Learning Words” currently requires no registration. Soon, users will be able to personalize their learning experiences through a dedicated form, enabling the app to tailor exercises to individual needs and enhance proficiency levels.
