Abstract:
Learning a new language is a rewarding task for an individual as well as a Nation. We describe a method to ease this formidable task A letter in an unknown language (Morse code in our study) can be incorporated in a picture along with an object or a concept, the name of which begins with the corresponding letter of a known language (English in our study). This picture will serve as pictorial translator (Graphic Intermediary) between known and unknown languages until the patterns are carved in the brain. Two batches of 35 soldiers (Army Medical Corps) with basic knowledge in English were used as control and study groups. The control was simply taught the English letters and corresponding Morse codes while graphic intermediary was used in teaching the study group. Both sides were taught for 45 minutes and they were given two test papers for each group, one for English to Morse translation and other for Morse to English translation. 25/35(71%) of the study groups achieved over 75% while only one person in the control group achieved the said level in English to Morse. In Morse to English 12/35(34%) of the study group achieved over 75%> and none of the control group reached the level. The effectiveness, simplicity and speed of new tool was very much evident in the study. Translation using Graphic Intermediary can be extremely useful method to teach and learn a new language
