Новини
Influent’s learning tools turn fridges and plants into language lessons
B
Brittany Alva
Influent introduces us to Andrew, a product developer in a strange bind: a technology company has stolen his language-learning device. In order to prove that the product is his, Andrew creates an even better version and live-streams himself learning 300 words in a new language. The player is then tasked with learning these words, which are all objects in Andrew’s apartment.
There are five different vocabulary tests, each corresponding to a different mastery level. These require the player to identify an object in the apartment in different ways, such as the written word, or an audio clip of the word. Once the player has all five tests completed, the words on the vocabulary list are mastered. That’s also when it counts towards Andrew’s 300-word goal.
Once you’ve got these smaller lists mastered, you can test yourself on all the words at once, which is much easier said than done. 300 words in a new language is nothing to scoff at; finding 300 different objects around Andrew’s apartment isn’t easy either. Players have to investigate every nook and cranny of the space to complete this goal.
To explore, players can take control of Andrew or his flying robot helper. This robot pal can get into places Andrew can’t, such as under his bed or on top of his cabinets (and yes, there are objects like slippers and cans of spices in both places). Once the exploring starts, it feels never-ending. For example, the highlighted computer may read as one vocabulary word, but by clicking in a different area on the same object, you might find a different vocabulary word, like "speakers." Cabinets can be broken down by drawers and doorknobs, and you’d be surprised at how many different parts a stove has. By going through these areas and bigger objects multiple times, players can hear and study the vocabulary over and over again.
Despite being home to the 300 words players have to learn, Andrew’s apartment doesn’t feel cluttered. Navigating around it is easy, and Influent eliminates any potential problems or confusion caused by too many objects. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t find messy corners in his space. Andrew has one box in particular that has a toy, a gaming console, controllers, a soccer ball, and even more items haphazardly thrown in for good measure.
Many of the items are broken down, offer things like synonyms, verbs, and adjectives that match or complement it. However, these aren’t available until you’ve completed various levels of mastery. This encourages you to keep playing and revisiting the same words, further solidifying your grasp of the language. For example, a book in Spanish also has the adjective “interesting” and the verb “to read” attached to it.
This method of learning is one of the best ways to master a language. Linguists believe that babies and children learn languages by cataloging objects and attaching them to existing words, and it's thus thought to be one of the best ways to become fluent.
Learning a language isn’t always about studying the intricacies of verb tenses—most of the time, grammar is the thing people pick up the quickest. Other language-learning apps (like Duolingo) have this down pat. However, most of them lack vocabulary; Influent can be played in tandem with these language-learning programs to fill that gap. It’s more interesting, interactive, and immersive than flashcards, and it’s set up in a way that truly helps you internalize the words.