Peer Review

The Language Construction Kit

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Overview:: The Language Construction Kit (LCK) provides instruction on how to create an entire new language! The instruction is broken down into three sections. (1) Basics: models, sounds, writing systems, word building; (2) Grammar: style, language families; (3) Writing It Down: basic outline, plan of attack. The LCK will provide fascinating fun for those who are looking for a linguistic hobby!
Type of Material:: Drill & Practice; Tutorial
Recommended Uses:: This material could be used as an assignment in a linguistics or language course, an in-class activity, an extra credit assignment, or an enrichment activity for students with a serious interest in language.
Technical Requirements:: Internet access
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The learner will become familiar with the patterns, sounds, and models of word building. The learner will become familiar with parts of speech and how they fit together in an artificial language. The learner will become familiar with language families and dialects. The learner will develop a unique and new language. The learner will become engaged in learning about linguistics.
Target Student Population:: Undergraduate level; especially suitable for students interested in languages and linguistics.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Knowledge of traditional grammar will be extremely helpful.

Rating:
Strengths:: Extensive tables and examples are provided throughout the materials, which build upon each other. Teachers will appreciate the use/support of phonetics throughout the materials. The site provides excellent coverage of alphabets, word building, and grammar. There is some coverage of style.
Concerns:: The amount of reading required may make this a rather time-consuming assignment.

Rating:
Strengths:: This material would be very effective when used to illustrate how a language is constructed. The site provides excellent questions for directing attention to elements of language.
Concerns:: To achieve success in building a language, students need to complete quite a bit of material, and some may "give up" before completing it.

Other Issues and Comments:: This site would be useful for enrichment for students students interested in languages and linguistics but may be unlikely to interest students who don't wish to make up a new language. The content is also available as a book. (The author notes that the book contains a good deal more material.)
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