English language learning in virtual 3D space by visualizing the library content of ancient texts

Abstract

In our paper we present the cultural background, the organizational principles, and the current implementation of our three-dimensional virtual library model (3DVLM) based on the hierarchical scheme of the ancient Library of Alexandria elaborated by Callimachus, the prominent ancient Greek poet and scholar in the 3 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">rd</sup> century BC. Our objective is, on the one hand, to organize the library content around selected classical texts. On the other hand, we intend to support text-based autonomous language learning by providing preprocessed English language texts (e.g. the translations of ancient texts, relevant Wikipedia entries about the ancient period etc.) with the necessary dictionary, encyclopedic and background knowledge that might be useful for a foreign language learner to read, understand and memorize the provided English language texts more easily. With respect to the implementation of the 3DVLM, we chose the flexible and cloud-based MaxWhere Seminar System. After giving a short overview about the cultural background and inheritance of the Alexandrian period, we present the main concepts and organization principles of the 3DVLM applied to support both classical education and effective language learning in the virtual 3D environment.