I detailed my productivity breakthrough I achieved with a voice to text program that comes with Windows -> Speech recognition. It is basically an automatic transcription program that comes with Windows that frees you from typing.  You can just speak to your computer.

With Microsoft SAPI I trained it now to 99% accuracy. It takes a little patience because when you start you will be at 80% accuracy. You must train it. Just to not try it and say this does not work. It does work.

I was motivated to use voice to text because I do not like sitting in front of the computer all day typing. I speak faster than I type so why not try something to increase productivity. After all computers are tools rather than an alternative lifestyle, hmm right.

Digital recorder speech to text

Thursday, I bought an Olympus 5500 digital recorder. It was about 39 dollars at Auchens (a French version of Walmart).

I used my Sony microphone and sat on my sofa recording a series of sample sentences. I next played this to my computer. It was about about 95% accurate when it came to transcribing it to text.

I was happy with this as the convenience more than compensated for the few errors. Further, I thought I could train it to understand the digital recorder.

I was elated and thought I had a achieved a real break though in productivity that would allow be to blog with ease, even on hikes in the mountains.  I even boasted about my success on one of the forums I hang out on.  I felt like a scientist.

I went to bed pretty pleased with myself. The next day I did the same, this time in different rooms in the house. I created a few blog post on more complex topics I was thinking about in my head about language learning.

Success with voice to text – failure with digital recorder to text

When I spoke directly to my computer it was about 99% accurate, but with the digital recorder only about 85% on complex subjects. I tested and retested.  I concluded my initial tests the day before, were with sentences that were too simple. Voice to text works, but the quality of the digital recorder playback did not allow for complete victory.

Short of retraining SAPI all over again – I gave up on the idea of a digital voice recorder to text and went back to voice to text via talking directly to my computer.

I returned the digital recorder to the French Walmart and will wait until I can think of a better way. Maybe a direct import from a wave file. I think there are programs that are doing this.

I am testing direct wav file imports with these programs, they are open source:

• Sphinx Carnegie Mellon University speech recognition
• Julius -  Japanese Voice to text in English
• Voxforge -Acoustic model speech recognition

I still think I can do digital recorder to text, however, I think I need to master wave imports to the speech recognition engine.  If I can do this then I will splurge and get a slightly better digital recorder as a reward.  If this is possible, it will be like cold fusion.  I will be in the mountains on some hike and recording blog posts or writing a book.

Why I am interested in Baby TV and learning a language

I recently got an upgrade to my satellite TV. I am an English native speaker and live in Poland.  With this expansion of channels I get about 800 stations in many languages, Baby TV being a new addition.  With my daughter I have been watching Baby TV.

It is the first time I have been a couch potato in years as I am pretty hard working and usually will blow time with chess on the Internet before I watch TV. So watching a little Baby TV is a real guiltless pleasure.  Further I can justify it by rationalizing that it is good for my language learning.   Its not a bad program as the colors are very vivid and the spoken words are very clear.

Why I do not learn with Baby TV

Since I am pretty good with Polish this is too elementary for me to learn anything really new.

Further the rhythm is a bit too slow for me.  Therefore, for me Baby TV is not a great way to learn a language if you are advanced, but for language learning  which you are starting out with a more basic level it is not bad for the start. For me I could watch Baby TV in Spanish to learn Spanish for example.

However, adults will quickly get bored. The adult brain is in beta waves or alpha waves while the baby’s brain might be in a theta pattern, taking in things more passively. Further, everything is new and a baby will not lose interest like I would.

What I recommend is this.  Watch baby TV for fun and a supplement to learning a language, but not to really learn it.

Can Baby TV hurt your language learning efforts

In fact, I do not know if it is even too great for kids as there was an inverse correlation between hours watched and words spoken by a child.

Children need concrete people to learn a language. They need real people talking to them not images on a Plasma TV.  They need interaction and people talking to them in an interactive way, showing them things asking them questions.  Challenging them to learn and stretch their brains and language skills.

Adults need testing and retesting like flashcards for language learning.  Adults needs grammar presented in the form of rules and drills as adults think abstractly, unlike children.  Then they need interaction.

Therefore, do not assume that the baby’s way of learning a language is an adults optimal method to learn a language.   Baby TV might be good for a baby is just OK for the adult learner.  If something is too juvenile it is not good.

I would be curious to hear your feedback about technology and how you use it to learn a language, it could be radio, the Internet, brainwaves SMS, computers or even Baby TV to learn a language.

A voice to text program allows you to speak into a microphone so speak, and what you speak will appear in your word document or notepad or where ever.

Think of the possibilities you do not need to type any more. Chat by speaking instead of typing. You can lay in bed and write your blog. No more hands that hurt from typing too much.  Basically you will reduce your reliance on your keyboard and mouse.

I am not fully accustom to it so I use both now, a combination of voice commands (speech recognition) and keyboard is the best for efficiency.

Further you speech faster than you type and you can do more in less time. The accuracy will be about ninety-five percent accuracy if you train the program. It has self training capabilities. I personally do not know if I spell at ninety-five percent accuracy.

Note this is not text to voice, which is something else. Text to voice programs are everywhere and they read to you. This is a diction or voice to text, which means you do not have to type any more.

Where to get a free voice to text program

I use a free Voice to text program that is available to Windows users called SAPI. SAPI is part of the Microsoft Speech Software Development Kit (SDK).  If you are on XP then you need to install it from here from Microsoft.  Free voice to text program . If you have Vista or Windows 7 you do not need to install this.  Voice to text program is found on your start menu as displayed below.

Voice to text Speech recognition program free from Microsoft

This program will let you write e-mails or your blog or write that book you have been thinking about just by speaking.  When you speak it will write for you.  The set up is easy and Microsoft has a basic dictation program.  You can buy some commercial ones but why?  They have a few more whistles and bells but the one that comes with your computer.

Try blogging in the bath tube.  The bathroom has good acoustics and I just speak away.  However, I have to go back and revise my posts.

The future of voice to text

Skype and many other companies are already starting to come out with applications what you can speak into your phone and it will send an sms.  I think they technology was developed for the disabled in mind, but now, as it progresses it has uses beyond its original intention.  It is your personal dictation security.

The more advanced programs have commands for moving your mouse and scrolling etc.

Language application for speech recognition

Voice to text programs come in various languages of course. If you are trying to learn pronunciation in the Spanish language for example, you could practice with a Spanish voice to speech recognition program and try to improve your accuracy when you are reading Spanish text.

If you have question about the install or use of this speech recognition program please review this site.

Who is Marina Orlova

Marina Orlova is a Russian girl who studied languages and English in Russia. She has a master’s degree and getting her PhD in the US she is 28, born December 10th 1980.

I respect this girl’s love for languages.  I particularly love her etymological interests.  This is one of my passions also.

What makes her so special? Nothing. She is in my opinion a normal looking (maybe below average) Russian girl.  She is not that pretty in fact.  I am an American living in Eastern Europe and all the girls look like that, well most of them.  And even if not, what does it matter.  Every girl no matter what she looks like is beautiful and a princess. I truly believe this.  The difference is with Marina Orlova is she markets herself well.

People will say are you kidding Mark? Marina is an amazingly sensual Russian girl.  I say not really, she is all marketing, like most stars. However, I live in Eastern Europe.

Marina Orlova created hotforwords

Marina Orlova and YouTube

Marina Orlova is a YouTube hit, I can not deny this. Her Youtube videos have 250 million views, and I am sure those views do not have an interest in languages.

I have some YouTube videos and none of them fly as high as hers, it is because of her looks.

She is one of the all time most popular Youtube actresses.  Her focus is languages. She combines languages with looks.  Hence the title of her website HotForWords. People like this combination of beauty and intelligence.

Марина Орлова has a program and makes a new video twice a week.  I personally find it boring because it is too much cream not enough milk.  However, in all fairness I think part of young and modern Russian culture is Russian girls like to  show up and show off, however, not all of them.  But Whether I am in Egypt or Greece I have observed Russian girls on the beach striking the pose like they are some super model.

My general view  about Marina’s HotforWords

• Marina Orlova is too flashy for me. Too much make up and looks too artificial.  I can not watch more than five minutes.  Even a few minutes is painful for me to watch on my computer.  I do not like girls who try to be tempting even if it is for show.
• I prefer simple, humble Russian girls from the countryside, not some post Soviet Moscow girl with fake hair and maybe other parts? Therefore, for me she is annoying because she is the opposite of what I think is sensual in a women.
• However, Hotforwords does spark one’s interest in the origin, and use of words. Further it is a form of art. Therefore is not all that bad and this is why I would give her and her video blog an other all positive rating.

However, this is me.  You maybe different.  I like humble and normal.  She puts herself out there as some blonde symbol of Aphrodite. I understand it is business so I will not knock her.  Further, she is not doing any hard but in fact promoting language learning.

The people have spoken and she is a hit on YouTube so I recommend you watch her videos and evaluate it for yourself.  I would be curious about your feedback, so leave me a comment.

I think YouTube by the way is great entertainment but in now way a good way to learn a language, it is too showy and chaotic.  Maybe if your a child its good exposure to languages but not for serious study.

How Marina Orlova and HotForWord got started

I would have imaged she got a student Visa to study in the US. However,  she is running a rather large profitable website so I do not how she does it. The USA is not just giving out Visas or green cards or citizenships, just because you look good.

It appears she has organized a limited partnership called HotForWords, LLC in of all places Beverly Hills, CA.  Therefore I think the is more to the story than some simple Russian girl who has a passion for words. I imagine she has a sponsor.  Perhaps she start by her self but at this point there are people behind the operation and it is a well thought out well planned honey pot.

I imagine she meet someone who helped her out.  However, I do not have this information. Her website is filled with professional contact information. She like a teacher is very well-organized.

Is Marina Orlova married?

I think no, I think she is single. If you have any further information on the subject let me know. I also at this juncture she is done with her University degree. I think she has many guys that will try to marry her, but in my opinion a girl like that will marry some dark hair business guy in a civil marriage.  This is my prediction.

Russian girls do want a family and love so at some level almost anyone could win her heart, but I think she is a post communist soviet girl who does not care too much about religion and fairy-tale ideals.  This is why I think it is will be some American businessman.

Hot for words is Marina Orlova's idea

Hot for words and languages

I do not think you will really learn much from this site.  But what this site does is get you interested in languages.  Languages are fun.  I like Marina think etymology is an important part of language learning. She has a book out. It is filled with phrase origins and suggestive puns.

It is not a serious book, just more for fun with a lot of pictures of herself. Can you learn anything from Hot for words?  Yes I think so, but just basic random facts about the English language. It is very high schoolish.   To activate your passive vocabulary you need to be more proactive than watching vocabulary and dictionary lessons from a philologist – teacher of English. Unless you want entertainment it is better to get a more serious book on English or etymology and then buy a calendar of beautiful Russian women.

Is Marina Orlova like Chess Queen Alexandra Kosteniuk? Nothing similar.  Marina is a showman or should I say show girl.  Alexandra is a family girl who looks pretty and has lots of humility.  Alexandra is a genius.  She is a world chess champion. Alexandra really believes in the game. On the other hand, Marina just has books smarts and is marketing herself as a female geek from Moscow.

HotForWords and Marina is in the USA for the weather

This may be true or may be false. In Europe we have Crimea and the Greek Islands.  Marina – Hot for words is in the USA to make a name for herself or maybe at least because it is fun for her.  I love living in Europe as I am an American, she likes living in the USA because she is from Russia and it is fun for her to experience something new. So this is the reason she says she stayed in the USA, but I think half the world would like to stay in the USA, I think somehow there is information she is not telling us on hot for words.

My conclusion is it is worth looking at Marina’s language blog, at least for fun.

I surf the Russian Interent a lot. I even have a Russian e-mail and a few accounts.  I need to learn Russian better as I often get lost.  But if you as an English speaker want to learn how to view a Russian website in English it is easy.

• First find the Russian website you want to view.
• Copy the url to Google translate tools.
• Translate to English.

Once on this site any pages you go to will be in Russian.  From time to time you might not have the whole site translated as some of the text might be in an image. However, if does the job.   If you are a real Russophile then you might want to learn the Russian alphabet. From there a lot of the techy words are the same in English as in Russian and you can start to navigate with greater ease.  This is the best way to view a Russian website in English.

Russian language search

With Russian language users Yandex is the most popular search engine with 44%  using this and Google being number 2 at 24%.  I find this interesting as I thought Google dominated every market.  I guess not in Russia.  I have used Yandex and the search results are radically different from google.ru.  I will have to try it out for a while. Of course I need to learn Russian a little better. The real question is will a challenge to Google’s rule come maybe not from Yahoo but a company like Yandex in Russia that has a very high quality search algorithm and they expand into the English world.

The fact is today there are many resources to learn languages online. You have webages, radio, online TV and even YouTube.  At this juncture it is not a matter of finding resources, but finding resources of value that will help you learn.  It’s a matter of efficiency.

The best way to learn a language at first

If you are a beginner, you need to learn words; this is better done with audio files or a computer program that is done methodically and logically, not YouTube. Audio/mp3 words is the most efficient way to learn for a beginner. When you have learned individual words and some grammar then, you can try your listening comprehension skills on YouTube. Once you know a critical level say 3000 high frequency words and phrases, using YouTube is not a bad idea, but more for fun.

How to use YouTube to learn

With YouTube, you can listen to a portion over and over again until you get the sense of it. It is fun and visual, for about a 1/2 an hour.  Just try hitting pause and back often to get the language phrase memorized. YouTube is mostly fun, and enjoying learning a language is what it’s all about. But you can use YouTube as a reward after you have a critical level of words. Also its not serious language learning from A to Z.  That is you can not really learn a language from YouTube.

Why you can not really learn a language from YouTube

YouTube is not systematic and can be very boring after a while. A lot of the things on YouTube are very stupid. But the main reason its very chaotic and after a while you will realize there are more effient ways to get from point A to point B.  But for fun or a 15 minute break YouTube is quite ok to test your langugae skills.

The translate tool I use in firefox is ‘gtranslate’. It uses google’s translate page to translate text.  It works fine with an auto detect button for the language. However, I have always been luke warm about translate tools. The translations are always very funny and if you know even an intermediate level of a language the translate tool is not as good as simply scaning the text to understand it. Further you trying to read it yourself give you a boast of confidence when you can understand it and you are trying to learn the language.

However, translate tools do help you with words you do not know.

firefox translate tool

I prefer firefox add ons to the google tool bar as it is lighter.  Firefox is a very light weight browser and I prefer to keep it that way.  Here is the one I use  firefox translate its an add on. Few firefox add ons stay active on my browers.

The way most of the translate tools on firefox work is you highlight and press the right mouse button to translate the text.  It is pretty simple and saves you the time of going to google translate.   I was playing around with the gtranslate tool when I was on vkontakte , however, most people write in such a slangy way on social networking sites that my firefox translate tool did not even help.

I do not like the iphone. In fact I gave up my cell phone.  I do not like the idea of being on call at all times.  During my lessons, most of my students take 2  duing the hour.  Most people do not even realize how disjointed their lives have become. Further they are addicted to sms and calls.  That is my rant. The iphone is very trendy and cheap and it has everything.  I think walmart will sell it for 99 dollars.

iphones I do like

iphones have mp3 capability.  mp3s I think are great, they are music anywhere you are. And escape from the world. Further, you can use them to learn a language.  So if you are talking iphones for the phone, or apps, I do not like them, but iphones for mp3s I like them.

Learn a language with your iphone

What you need is mp3 with native speakers in your target language that are clear, crisp and consise. Sounds that have brief internvals of voice  an silence. You can not have talking about the language by an English speaker, only native speakers in your target language. You need to listen to this in a repeating loop cycle.  You really need to relax and focus.  So if you take you iphone to the beach and listen to mp3s to learn a language , then I think this is a very good way to spend the day and the iphone is worth it.

You can learn a language on your iphone or mp3 here -> learn a language

I think reading a book is a better way to learn a language then watching foreign language videos, because learning a language from a book is very focused and easy on the eyes. However, watching foreign language videos is still not bad.

There are many foreign language videos on the internet from almost any video sharing site such from youtube.com to youku.com – The problem is that to watch them for language learning you need to develop a very well organized filing and folder system for watching these foreign language videos to make them effective. That is watch them over and over again.  This of course requires downloading them.

How to download foreign language videos

1. If you do not already use firefox I would recommend downloading it.
2. The go to here: addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/8761 to download  a Firefox add on. This is the easiest foreign language videos downloader I have found and I have played with a lot of them.
3. Next go to download.com and get GOM player, this is the best flashplayer I have found. Its all free of course.
4. The last step is to organize your foreign language videos library. Do this in explore for example. Have Learn Russian, or Learn Polish, or Learn Ukrainian folders, with subfolders for things like phrases or fun.

If you were to be focused and on a routine and watched these for say one hour a day you would make progressing learning the target language of your choice with foreign langugae videos.