Vocabulary learning screensaver!

Started by `Eylan Ayfalulukanä, April 26, 2010, 01:51:24 AM

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`Eylan Ayfalulukanä

At long last, I have found a screen saver that will flash vocabulary at you when your computer is idle!

There is a program, called 'virtual teacher' that will use your screensaver (as well as a small window on your desktop, if you want) to flash vocabulary at you continually. It is a nice program, I have been using it for several weeks now while I built vocabulary for it. It even comes with background pictures that could pass for Pandora! (And you can add your own.)

The bad news? It costs $20.

The good news? There is a 30 day free trial available, so you can try it and decide if it is worth $20 to you. There is also one component, the desktop window, that is free. And, if you add some vocaabulary (I have done Na`vi-English, there is English-Na`vi as well as sound support to be worked on. Plenty to do!), you might be able to talk them out of a free license. (BTW, I make no money or anything else promoting this program. I am offering it because it is about the only thing like it out there.)

In any case, you can find the software here: http://vteacher.net/

Links to the data files are below. The VTDB files are plug-and-play for the screensaver program. The TXT files are open text that can be edited in the screensaver program (or a text editor). Unlike other dictionary exports, these are hand-transcoded, and have a different 'feel' from other dictionary-derived data files. You may find these useful for other things besides this program. I am trying to keep both of them up to date, but the text files will always be updated first.

As learning syllabification and stress is very important for Na'vi, I have created a new version of the screensaver files that show syllabification and stress. (This is why there was a year between updates!) These use a center dot to mark syllable boundaries. Stress is marked by a standard major stress marker. To help disambiguate the stress marker from the glottal stop, the ISO-recommended character for the glottal stop is used.  Do note that the pronunciation-enabled version of the files requires unicode support on your computer. If you are running an OS older than Windows XP, you may have some issues with unicode. If you do, use the non-pronunciation enabled version of the files.

If you use the text files, proceed as follows: Download the text file(s) of interest. Work on them in a text editor if you need to. (Note: The text files for the pronunciation files requires a text editor that can handle Unicode.) The format is painfully obvious! When you are ready, use the 'import text file' option in 'vocabulary builder' to import this file. Select the seperator text to be three equals signs ===, and import the file. Once the file is imported, select it in the program and watch the words go by!

The basic screensaver program works fine in Windows 7. the desktop window (the free part!) does not work well under Windows 7. The vendor has no plans to fix this  :(

A Linux screensaver is now in the works for those Linux-using blueskins out there! And I hope someday there will be a free, open source screensaver program for Windows as well.

As of 1-21-2013, here are the current files, updated to version 12.871 of the dictionary.

VTDB files (plug and play)

Basic vocabulary (includes the individual items listed below)
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_basic_vocabulary.VTDB
Mip! Basic vocabulary with pronunciations
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_basic_vocabulary_prnc.VTDB

Individual components of the basic vocabulary
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_base_vocabulary.VTDB
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_base_vocabulary_prnc.VTDB Mip! with pronunciations
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_verbal_infixes.VTDB
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_Navi_inflections.VTDB
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_adpositions.VTDB
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_important_proper_nouns.VTDB
Here are the items not in the basic vocabulary list
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_misc_proper_names.VTDB
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_misc_flora_fauna.VTDB
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_non_Frommerian.VTDB

Text files (easiest to modify to your own needs)

Basic vocabulary (includes the individual items listed below)
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_basic_vocabulary.TXT
Mip! Basic vocabulary with pronunciations
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_basic_vocabulary_prnc.TXT

Individual components of the basic vocabulary
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_base_vocabulary.TXT
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_base_vocabulary_prnc.TXT Mip! with pronunciations
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_verbal_infixes.TXT
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_Navi_inflections.TXT
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_adpositions.TXT
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_important_proper_nouns.TXT
Here are the items not in the basic vocabulary list
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_misc_proper_names.TXT
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_misc_flora_fauna.TXT
http://www.lionlamb.us/Navi_stuff/screensaver/Navi-English_non_Frommerian.TXT


Yawey ngahu!
pamrel si ro [email protected]

eanayo

I fully endorse this product and / or service.

No, seriously, just had a look at that program and this seems like a viable option to learn bits of vocab - thank you very much for compiling the vocabulary file!

I hope that others find this useful, too, and that you will be able to keep the word list up-to-date.

Visit Our Dictionary for eBook readers, The Na'vi Word Puzzle Game and the Cryptogram Generator
srake tsun pivlltxe san [ˈɔaχkat͡slʃwɔaf]?

`Eylan Ayfalulukanä

#2
In addition to the basic word list, I have also created individual lists of the different components. There are also some additional lists here that are not part of the basic vocabulary. I will always try to keep the basic list current, and will update the others as I have time.

Update 5-22-2010: Lists now conform to Taronyu's dictionary ver 10.007. Note that the root words have been depreciated starting with version 10, and are no longer in the basic vocabulary. I have retained them as optional in case someone is still interested in them. The other affixes listed there have been added to 'various_inflections'.

(Old links have been removed)

munge tìprrte`
`Eylan Ayfalulukanä

Yawey ngahu!
pamrel si ro [email protected]

`Eylan Ayfalulukanä

#3
Update 5-24-2010: I now have VTDB files available which should be able to be plugged directly into your screensaver without having to import from text. Links to both are given below. These are updated to Taronyu's Dictionary ver 10.013. Now that the 'heavy lifting' is finally done, it should be easier to keep the lists up to date!

Mods: Can this thread be moved into the new learning resources forum?

(Old links have been removed)

Yawey ngahu!
pamrel si ro [email protected]

Vawmataw

Fmawn Ta 'Rrta - News IN NA'VI ONLY (Discord)
Traducteur francophone de Kelutral.org, dict-navi et Reykunyu

`Eylan Ayfalulukanä

The program puts up a background picture at screensaver time.

Then, a word appears in big letters at the top of the screen. A few seconds later, the definition shows up at the bottom of the screen. Then, the word and definition disappear, and another word appears.

If you go to the website, they have pictures of what the program looks like.

The current word list here is about a year old. I have been working on a much-updated list, but every time, I get a good start on it, other things I need to do crowd in, and I get so far behind I have to start the update over. I need about 2 days of quality time to get the list up to date.

The Dothraki list, however, is up to date. That is easier to maintain because I also maintain the dictionary.

Yawey ngahu!
pamrel si ro [email protected]

Vawmataw

Quote from: `Eylan Ayfalulukanä on January 05, 2013, 11:30:41 PM
The program puts up a background picture at screensaver time.

Then, a word appears in big letters at the top of the screen. A few seconds later, the definition shows up at the bottom of the screen. Then, the word and definition disappear, and another word appears.

If you go to the website, they have pictures of what the program looks like.

The current word list here is about a year old. I have been working on a much-updated list, but every time, I get a good start on it, other things I need to do crowd in, and I get so far behind I have to start the update over. I need about 2 days of quality time to get the list up to date.

The Dothraki list, however, is up to date. That is easier to maintain because I also maintain the dictionary.
Nice.
Fmawn Ta 'Rrta - News IN NA'VI ONLY (Discord)
Traducteur francophone de Kelutral.org, dict-navi et Reykunyu

Irtaviš Ačankif

I think I could hack up a free replacement in 3 days ^^ I'll release it if and when I do so
Previously Ithisa Kīranem, Uniltìrantokx te Skxawng.

Name from my Sakaš conlang, from Sakasul Ältäbisäl Acarankïp

"First name" is Ačankif, not Eltabiš! In Na'vi, Atsankip.

Tirea Aean

Quote from: Uniltìrantokx te Skxawng on January 08, 2013, 11:42:39 AM
I think I could hack up a free replacement in 3 days ^^ I'll release it if and when I do so

That would be wonderful, especially if it is crossplatform. Linux Love?

Irtaviš Ačankif

Quote from: Tirea Aean on January 18, 2013, 12:55:53 AM
Quote from: Uniltìrantokx te Skxawng on January 08, 2013, 11:42:39 AM
I think I could hack up a free replacement in 3 days ^^ I'll release it if and when I do so

That would be wonderful, especially if it is crossplatform. Linux Love?
I'll probably write it in C#/Mono = everybody except Mac trololol
Previously Ithisa Kīranem, Uniltìrantokx te Skxawng.

Name from my Sakaš conlang, from Sakasul Ältäbisäl Acarankïp

"First name" is Ačankif, not Eltabiš! In Na'vi, Atsankip.

Tirea Aean

Quote from: Uniltìrantokx te Skxawng on January 18, 2013, 06:40:08 AM
Quote from: Tirea Aean on January 18, 2013, 12:55:53 AM
Quote from: Uniltìrantokx te Skxawng on January 08, 2013, 11:42:39 AM
I think I could hack up a free replacement in 3 days ^^ I'll release it if and when I do so

That would be wonderful, especially if it is crossplatform. Linux Love?
I'll probably write it in C#/Mono = everybody except Mac trololol

ew please no. I have had issues with Mono and .NET programs compatibility with Linux in the past. If you're gonna do this, I hope you at least don't use any non standard libraries... this is what kept Rina' Lì'fyayä from running on Linux after it was rewritten from Java to .NET it then ONLY worked on Windows.. Also, why would you purposely leave our rather decent size group of Mac users out?

`Eylan Ayfalulukanä

A Linux version would be absolutely wonderful! I'll help anywheret I can.

The developers of the Windows program don't seem to be interested in developing this program for Windows 7 or beyond, last time I checked. Most features work in Windows 7, but not the desktop word displayer.

I just need to free myself from the morass enough to get the updated word list (which will have syllabification and stress marked) out.

Yawey ngahu!
pamrel si ro [email protected]

Irtaviš Ačankif

Quote from: Tirea Aean on January 18, 2013, 11:24:33 AM
Quote from: Uniltìrantokx te Skxawng on January 18, 2013, 06:40:08 AM
Quote from: Tirea Aean on January 18, 2013, 12:55:53 AM
Quote from: Uniltìrantokx te Skxawng on January 08, 2013, 11:42:39 AM
I think I could hack up a free replacement in 3 days ^^ I'll release it if and when I do so

That would be wonderful, especially if it is crossplatform. Linux Love?
I'll probably write it in C#/Mono = everybody except Mac trololol

ew please no. I have had issues with Mono and .NET programs compatibility with Linux in the past. If you're gonna do this, I hope you at least don't use any non standard libraries... this is what kept Rina' Lì'fyayä from running on Linux after it was rewritten from Java to .NET it then ONLY worked on Windows.. Also, why would you purposely leave our rather decent size group of Mac users out?
I actually write Mono programs *on* Linux and statically compile them with a version of Mono that I know works (with mkbundle --deps --static) so there should not be any problem.

Maybe I'll write it in Racket but there will be an ugly Racket logo rather than my own logo and it will be huge and slow (Mac will work tho). I can write these kind of stuff (full screen no-widget apps) better in Racket tho.
Previously Ithisa Kīranem, Uniltìrantokx te Skxawng.

Name from my Sakaš conlang, from Sakasul Ältäbisäl Acarankïp

"First name" is Ačankif, not Eltabiš! In Na'vi, Atsankip.

Tirea Aean

Racket! :D XD Racket is fun.

Hey, whatever works, works.

`Eylan Ayfalulukanä

The data files are now fully up to date (Dictionary version 12.871). The pronunciation-helping versions of the files are also available. All links for files are now on the first post of this thread.

Yawey ngahu!
pamrel si ro [email protected]