Univerbal expands language tutor

(CONNECT) The Univerbal GmbH, based in Technopark Zurich, has added further functions to its language tutor supported by artificial intelligence (AI). According to a press release, the additional modules have been developed in collaboration with the Language Center of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) and the University of Zurich (UZH).

With the additional modules from Univerbal, languages can be learned in direct conversations with an AI tutor. The AI recognises errors and halting speech and generates new exercises with a personally tailored vocabulary. Error categories, language exercises and feedback follow didactic strategies developed by linguists.

"Learners don't need more generic learning units; they need individualised feedback on their spoken language," Samuel Bissegger, CEO and co-founder of Univerbal, is quoted as saying in the press release. "With this release, every mistake becomes something you can actively tackle and thus improve. Together with the UZH/ETHZ Language Center, we have transformed analyses of real conversations into focused micro-lessons."

In addition to language coaching with consideration of mistakes made, the platform's innovations include an adaptive vocabulary and a dynamic curriculum. Univerbal, formerly Quazel, is a spin-off of ETH. ce/ww