Oravi: Immersive Virtual Environments for Language Learning

Acquiring fluency in a foreign language is a challenging prospect, yet many people desire to do so for a variety of reasons. Millions of people use language learning software like Rosetta Stone and Duolingo in order to achieve this goal. Unfortunately, these popular programs are unable to effectively provide the experience gained by speaking with other people in a foreign language. Having a speaking partner is not a readily available option for many language learners, so practicing conversational skills can be difficult. This project aims to provide a solution to this problem in the form of software that simulates conversations in a foreign language. Oravi places users in virtual environments that simulate conventional scenarios in foreign settings. With the use of advanced speech recognition technology, users are able to speak to and have conversations with any of the characters in the environments. Oravi provides a means for language learners to practice and assess their speaking skills in a way no other language learning software offers.