Better Software for the Brain
JO 753
My name is JO 753 and I'm working on improving literacy by spreading
Nooalf, an English based international spelling system. Since English
is the defacto international language, and dominates the internet,
this applies to accessibility mainly for early grade school children,
dyslexics and everybody in non-English speaking countries. The basic
problem is that it takes years to attain a minimally functional level
of literacy due to the gross disorganization of standard spelling.
Bypassing the endless chores and obstacles of English will give new
users more immediate, positive, rewarding experiences on the
internet .
Quick results are particularly important in developing countries,
where time, money and energy are in short supply. Positive early
experiences will generate enthusiasm instead of the exasperation
created by wasted time and effort. The ability of software to remove
the obstacle of standard English can be the difference between success
and defeat.
The main project I am proposing is the creation of browser integrated
software that translates standard English into Nooalf. This would
greatly reduce the time it takes before children and ESL (English
Second Language) students are able to read the essentially text driven
internet and greatly accelerate their acquisition of vocabulary.
There are a variety of translators available based on simple word to
word dictionary lists. Something like that in conjunction with a solid
font may be good enough to start, but from my experience with
incompatibility issues, I think it may be necessary to create
something more original and fundamental.
I am not a programmer. Most of what I've read here is gobbledygook to
me. My expertise is ergonomics. Software that works intuitively, even
invisibly for ordinary people is what I am looking for.
Please have a look at nooalf.com for more info about the system. email
or reply here with comments and questions.