Immersion multimedia for adult Chiricahua language learners

Abstract

This study investigated effects of context versus list word presentation, and moving versus static target presentation in a 2×2 between-subjects design using Athapascan revitalization materials developed in Macromedia Flash® for adult learning. The within-subjects factor was word type, presented in two randomized sets of four nouns, adjectives, and verbs. Macromedia Flash® was chosen to simulate immersion learning. Twenty-three Native American adults from a local reservation and 20 adults from the University engaged 48 words for 15 min (average) of self-directed study. Macromedia Flash® immersion test materials presented three target choices for each of eight text and eight spoken presentations (graphemic and phonemic association tasks), and eight words spoken in context (disambiguation task). Populations were similar enough to be combined; the total percent correct was 77.64% (SD=12.70%; range = 50–100%). Results indicate that immersion-style, multi-media materials offer strong support for revitalization efforts, especially where learners outnumber native speakers.

The author wishes to thank Depree ShadowWalker (Mescalero Apache) for her invaluable assistance in the development of the experimental materials, including her recommendation that Macromedia® Flash be used as the transport, for assistance with graphics development, and especially for her assistance with the language recordings and text development. The author also wishes to thank the anonymous reviewers for their invaluable comments.