Title: An English and/or Japanese writing support tool based on a web search engine

Authors: Kazuaki Ando, Yuichi Tsunashima, Youhei Furukawa

Addresses: Department Reliability-based Information Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kagawa University, 2217-20 Hayashi-cho, Takamatsu-shi 761-0396, Japan. ' Division of Reliability-based Information Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kagawa University, 2217-20 Hayashi-cho, Takamatsu-shi 761-0396, Japan. ' Division of Reliability-based Information Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kagawa University, 2217-20 Hayashi-cho, Takamatsu-shi 761-0396, Japan

Abstract: This paper proposes a writing support tool for learners of English and/or Japanese as a second language based on a web search engine. The proposed tool can support language learners writing a sentence in English and/or Japanese. The proposed tool consists of a composition and a learning support module. The composition support module searches example sentences and word usage on the web, and verifies given sentences and expressions by the hit count and the statistical analysis on snippets provided by the search engine. It produces a table and a graph based on the hit count of those queries, and it provides example sentences based on learner|s vocabulary level. We consider that search logs include important information for learning support. The learning support module analyses each/all learner|s search log and provides effective learning supports. By using the proposed tool, learners can search example sentences which they need, verify entered sentences and expressions, and learn languages effectively.

Keywords: web applications; second language; writing support; learning support; English; Japanese; search engines; Japan; USA; United States; composition support; example sentences; vocabulary levels; language learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2010.034533

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2010 Vol.38 No.4, pp.324 - 332

Published online: 07 Aug 2010 *

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