Waseda University, Fujitsu and other units began to research Chinese language learning aid system

March 10, 2006

Global Information and Telecommunication Institute (GITI) (Note 2⁽²⁾) and Graduate School of Global Information and Telecommunication Studies (GITS) (Note 3⁽³⁾) of Waseda University (Note 1⁽¹⁾), Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. (Note 4⁽⁴⁾) and Fujitsu R&D Center Co., Ltd. (FRDC) began to cooperate in researching, developing and utilizing Chinese language learning aid system including Chinese “Text to Speech” technology and etc.

In November of 2003, Waseda University and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. signed cooperation agreement aimed at bringing respective advantages into full play, researching jointly, and promoting research and education activities of Waseda University and research and development activities of Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. As an important part, both parties agreed to jointly research the integration of Chinese processing technology being developed by Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. and FRDC into Chinese language learning aid system being developed by GITI and GITS of Waseda University. The research period was from March of 2006 to March of 2007.

Background

In recent years, Chinese demand in the society is increasing. More than half of the students of Waseda University regard Chinese as the second foreign language. However, Chinese teachers are apparently scarce, so Chinese language learning aid system using IT technology needs to be utilized. 砂冈和子 Laboratory of School of Political Science and Economics of Waseda University is cooperating with GITI and GITS, to jointly develop Chinese language learning aid system of computer or cell phone, making numerous students acquire more opportunities of learning by oneself.

On the other hand, Fujitsu R&D Center Co., Ltd. is also cooperating with FRDC in China to actively research and develop Chinese processing technology. An important part is Chinese “Text to Speech” technology, through which any Chinese text can be read in good timbre. The merit of the technology is to read the text after suitable division of the figures frequently used in daily life such as telephone number, amounts and scores based on the consecution of the text. The following technology is also being developed: through utilizing enormous network information, search the translation of inherent nouns not embodied by general dictionaries and colloquial words.

Content of joint research

The goal of this joint research is to integrate “Text to Speech” technology and network dictionary into language learning materials and learning aid system, so as to promote self-disciplined learning and learning under individual guide, and provide help on the very important tone practice for Chinese pronunciation.

In addition, Waseda University may compile more practical new teaching materials through utilizing language learning aid system, and prepares to standardize the text of teaching materials and integrate sound with the text, so as to support Chinese learners around the world, and meet increasing Chinese learning demand.

Simultaneously, Fujitsu R&D Center Co., Ltd. and FRDC hope to acquire feedback on actual use of language learning aid system of Waseda University, ceaselessly improve sound processing and language processing technology including “Text to Speech” technology, network dictionary and etc., making the technology applied in many fields such as industries.