Exploring visualizations for digital reading augmentation to support grammar learning

Abstract

Reading foreign language texts is a frequently used strategy for language learning. Visual text augmentation methods further support the learning experience, e.g., by annotating vocabulary or grammar. Common approaches are integrated dictionaries or static grammar highlights. This work investigates how we can further support grammar learning with the dynamic visualization and interaction opportunities offered by digital reading devices. In collaboration with teachers and potential learners, we identify difficulties learners experience with English grammar and gather ideas for suitable interactive text augmentations. Based on this, we design four different concepts that augment adjectives and adverbs in English-language texts using typographic cues and interactive information displays. The concepts are evaluated in a within-subject study (N = 16). Results show that participants preferred concepts that presented case-specific support, did not distract too much from the text, and gave details on demand. We conclude with design recommendations for designing text augmentation for language learning.