Software Resources
This page is intended as an open catalog of internally developed software that is available for use by either faculty individually, or with their students in language courses. As YLC develops more tools for faculty they will be listed here.
Currenty YLC has three tools available:
Multilingual Text-To-Speech (TTS)
SMS Texting Simulation -- YLC Chattr
Verba - Live conversation simulator
All of these tools are prototypes and available for faculty and student use on an invite only basis. Please see the posts below to learn more about the applications, and if you're interested in trying them out, please contact Dustin Robson (robson@uoregon.edu), Yamada Language Center's technology consultant. Meetings can be arranged for a walkthrough of the tools, or to discuss their use/implementation in your course.
Multilingual Text-To-Speech (TTS)
The Yamada Language Center's Text-to-Speech tool lets you type or paste text in 12 languages and hear it spoken aloud by natural-sounding AI voices. Possible uses for this tool include preparing listening exercises or augmenting course accessibility by providing quick and easy-to-use recordings of course materials.
Choose from expressive voices powered by Google and OpenAI, fine-tune delivery with speed, pitch, and emphasis controls, then save or share your clips with a single link.
Supported languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English (US & UK), French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazilian), and Spanish.
Access is currently available by invite -- contact robson@uoregon.edu to arrange for a trial.
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YLC Chattr - SMS Texting Simulation
Chattr is an SMS-style texting simulator that currently supports English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German. Scenarios are typical situations such as making plans with a friend, texting a roommate, or planning an event. Learners have opportunities to practice texting in the target language and can use and encounter SMS slang during the conversation. The app has several features to aid learners as well, such as a slang dictionary, a hint mode, summative feedback, and a vocabulary dictionary that the user can add to as they encounter new words or phrases.
Chattr is built using Google Gemini Flash 2.5, and is usable both on desktop and mobile devices (as a progressive web app).
If you're interested in using this service, please contact robson@uoregon.edu for access! New scenarios and languages can be added per request!
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Verba
Verba is a multilingual Speech-to-Speech conversation voicebot for student use. Verba supports all languages taught through UO programs, and features a range of customizable scenarios from ordering a coffee to booking a hotel. Multiple difficulties are available, along with conversation transcripts and conversation history at the user level.
Voice conversation is provided by Google Gemini's Live Native Speech API.
