UPSI Introduces SOVO Kit 2.0 To Nurture Children's Interest In Foreign Languages

IPOH, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) continues to advance educational innovation with the launch of SOVO Kit 2.0, an interactive application that uses listening-based learning to nurture children’s interest in foreign languages.

Lead Researcher Dr Mariyati Mohd Nor said the application, available on both Android and Apple platforms, is designed with colourful illustrations to capture the attention of young learners.

“SOVO Kit 2.0 emphasises the combination of sound and voice, which form the SOVO concept, as the primary medium of learning.

It also provides language training focused on listening skills, helping learners grasp the basics of pronunciation and vocabulary more effectively,” she said in a statement today.

The application was developed with fellow researchers Dr Robe'ah Yusuf, Noraziah Abdul Aziz, Noor Azalina Buang, Tan Lee Na and Muhammad Hilmi Che Ahamad, each bringing expertise in foreign languages.

Mariyati said the multidisciplinary approach allows the application to contain authentic, comprehensive content that is in line with children's learning needs.

"While the first version of SOVO Kit 1.0 only emphasised listening skills, SOVO Kit 2.0 provides children with the opportunity to master five foreign languages, namely French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, and Japanese,  ​​with an interactive, fun and authentic approach.

“We are confident it will strengthen early learning and prepare a generation that is ready to meet global challenges,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Languages ​​and Communication, UPSI, Associate Professor Dr  Mazura@Mastura Muhammad, in the same statement, described the project as a meaningful effort that provides great benefits to society, especially Generation Z.

"This initiative not only introduces foreign languages ​​from an early stage but also instils the interest of the young generation to interact in a global environment.

"SOVO Kit 2.0 is believed to be a catalyst for the development of linguistic skills of the young generation, in addition to supporting the country's aspiration to produce a multilingual literate society," she said.

-- BERNAMA