Na'vi Rosetta Stone possible with some help

[Pxi]

Kaltxì!
I've been reading through these forums for the last few days and this is my first post! I share the same passion for Avatar and the Na'vi language that you all do, and I'm excited to learn as much as I can.

So, I started this thread because I have the means to modify Rosetta Stone v2 (not the newest one). It's actually a pretty simple process that a lot of people could do, I just haven't fully tested it yet.

I would start with the American English lesson as a foundation and then modify each word to Na'vi- changing the text, the pictures, and the audio.

But for it to be effective, we would need a confident speaker to record the words and phrases. This is something I can't do.

So is this something to pursue? or should we wait until we know more about the language?

UPDATE:

Just in case anyone is new to this thread, I already have part of a working demo in flash. Still only one page so far and lacking sound.
More updates to come!

[Tiri]

The fact that it's even possible is pretty exciting.  I'm certainly not able to speak it with any level of awesome and we'd have to wait for someone that can, but this is a project I would totally love to help with in some other way.  

[omängum fra'uti]

Two questions...

1. Would someone require having a real copy of Rosetta Stone first for this to work?
2. If no, what are the legalities of distribution?
3. If yes, what is the availability, short of paying for the software (Which, while supposedly really good, is not cheap)
4. When did two become three? .. err.. four?

[Payoang]

Good questions.

Also, I believe Rosetta Stone has been contacted regarding Klingon multiple times, and the have declined merging their program with non-natural languages...

[Pxi]

Two questions...

1. Would someone require having a real copy of Rosetta Stone first for this to work?
2. If no, what are the legalities of distribution?
3. If yes, what is the availability, short of paying for the software (Which, while supposedly really good, is not cheap)
4. When did two become three? .. err.. four?

Well, they don't even sell Rosetta Stone version 2 anymore because it's very outdated. I borrowed the CDs from a german friend and installed it.

And I suppose Rosetta Stone wouldn't be too happy if they found we were distributing it, although we wouldn't be selling it for profit, so it might be ok. It came out in 1999 and was replaced by version 3 in 2006 i think.

I brought it up because it's easily modifiable and we wouldn't have to start from scratch. Distribution would be easy, but technically you could say it's illegal software/warez. 

On the other hand, I do know a bit of flash as I'm sure some other people do. It would be very possible to program a rosetta stone look alike that's perfectly legal. It would just take a looong time and a lot of effort.

[omängum fra'uti]

It doesn't matter how old something is or if it's available anymore, if it's still copyright, it's still copyright.  So the best you could do is a modification for people who already have it.  I think making a look-alike would be a better option, though even that could potentially be a minefield of patents on the learning method.

[Sarkath]

Or wait 15 years since the copyright >_>

[sefuheron]

I really want to help with this project. Sadly I haven't worked well with flash. But, I can lend my voice if you would like. Pronunciation is probably the only thing I really have down with languages. I have this weird ability to pick up accents quickly.

I do have one question. How can they have a patent on the learning method, seeing that every child learns their language this very same way? Guess it's prolly the same way apple has a patent on gestures. Grr!

[shiaru]

You can't minefield learning, If someone makes a flash look-alike and it happens to teach is a similar way, well too bad, is purely consequential. They would actually have a market for Na'vi but I guess Rosseta stone is too dumb about it. I personally have the software, I bought it so my cousin could advance in her studies. So a patch is ok.

[Eyamsiyu]

O_O Something I suggested is, for once, actually being considered? 

Ok, then, that's great!  Well, if you choose to go a direction that "not-legal," keep it on the down-lo.  We don't want to get sued for a copyright infringement.

Creating something that is remotely original, while still maintaining the same concept, would be great!  I hate to bring up his name again, but if we needed help with the project at all, and if he were willing, Dr. Frommer might help.  However, I say I hate to because one has to realize that his life is not dedicated to Na'vi.  With all due respect, he was just doing his job for James Cameron, and this was the result of his works.  His help shouldn't be considered mandatory, and we need to be careful about that.

[Pxi]

Yeah, there's no way they can copyright that kind of "immersion" learning. As long as we don't use their images, sounds, and interface design we wouldn't infringe.

I'm starting to see that a flash version would work the best, or maybe a series of web pages with smaller flash lessons in them. Maybe it could even become a major feature of this website!

I could try and put together a little test or a template with no sounds for now. @sefuheron, that would be great! If I can make the flash work, we should talk about recording the words.

and if anyone is a flash guru, let me know...because I'm not  

[sefuheron]

I could try and put together a little test or a template with no sounds for now. @sefuheron, that would be great! If I can make the flash work, we should talk about recording the words.

Sounds like a plan. You might actually be able to knock up a small demo in Java or Html if you don't want to take a flash route... but flash would prolly be the best way honestly.

[Tsway'eion]

I'm a Flash Guru, or at least the step before that, once my college course was over, i no longer had access to the Adobe Creative Suite... BUT, i do have some good news, if i decided to learn Flex(which is free) and a new API, we could have the potential to create flash projects, in an overly complicated way.

If someone had Flash, it would be a lot easier to create a program with that, then to try and create it from scratch using programming.

[Mokriyä Täftxuyu]

I like this idea and I can't help it in ANY way whatsoever lol. I can simply say that I am a fan of the idea and maybe make a few suggestions.

1. Don't make a patch of rosetta stone. Make a seperate, similar program that we can distribute FOR FREE (lol) to all members who want to use the program.

2. Find someone with LOTS of flash experience and then pair them with someone that can design a very aesthetically pleasing layout and efficient design that is also very easy to use.

3. Find a group of the most well versed in the language to contribute all the vocabulary, grammar, etc.

4. If I come up with any other thoughts I will add them but this seems to be the first logical step (if you don't mind my input )


Hope this helps!

[omumyu]

I love this idea for a immersion program.  I am a fairly good graphic artist so if you need help with that I would be willing to contribute!

[shiaru]

I'm trying to learn flash as we speak so far i can make a ball bounce.... I'm ashamed of myself but i got little time and i can't find good video tutorial that's how i learn best.

[Tsway'eion]

I'm trying to learn flash as we speak so far i can make a ball bounce.... I'm ashamed of myself but i got little time and i can't find good video tutorial that's how i learn best.

That was the first thing i did too, the next was a cheesy animation about a mouse, and after that i attempted to create a flash game, then i programmed a restaurant menu application, and after than i created my 3D portfolio using flash. But this was over the course of 2 years... I really wish i had it now >.>

I'll see what i can do.

[Jameseyes]

this is a good idea, i know nothing about rights or rosetta stone
but if they ever made a na'vi one thatd be sic!
id buy it in a flash

[Tsway'eion]

this is a good idea, i know nothing about rights or rosetta stone
but if they ever made a na'vi one thatd be sic!
id buy it in a flash

Was the flash part meant as a joke, cause it was kind of funny.

[mO_Tan]

yeah. its punny