DUBAI // A series of smartphone apps that aim to help children learn Arabic have proved a big hit with schools and parents.
Zee’s Alif Ba – Discover the Alphabet with Zee and Zee’s Alphabet – have so far been downloaded 1.35 million times across the Mena region.
The apps teach children how to read and write the letters of the Arabic alphabet in a fun and interactive way.
“Our aim is to teach children in a fun way where they don’t even realise they’re learning a language,” said Dinesh Lalvani, founder and chief executive of Dubai’s Growl Media.
The apps are focused on children aged from three to five.
“Children are sponges at such a young age and their minds are open to new languages, so it’s the perfect time to encourage them to learn.
“What we try to do with our apps is make it as enjoyable as possible for children and learn the alphabet while playing.”
The apps are free to download and are available for Apple iOS and Android as well as Samsung Smart TV.
The company, which has a team of 20 people, is currently testing its latest app, which is expected to launch sometime in the next four weeks. “That one will be targeted at slightly older children and will teach kids different Arabic words,” Mr Lalvani said.
The company works closely with schools in the UAE, as well as children, to make sure the applications are of use.
“We speak with teachers to find out what they think will be of use and also have testing involving five-year-olds, who are our toughest critics,” Mr Lalvani added.
“I remember one occasion when we scrapped an app we had worked on for weeks because a group of children we brought in to test it said they didn’t like it.”
Although their apps have been downloaded around the world they have proved particularly popular in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq and Jordan.
“The beauty of modern technology is that it can be used to really engage children – and parents – in a fun way,” Mr Lalvani said.
All the apps are free, although there may be a one-off in-app purchase for the upcoming app.
“The plan is to have regular updates with new words for children to learn,” Mr Lalvani said.
“We will probably have a US$2.99 [Dh11] one-off payment and then you’ll be able to download the updates for free from then on.”
Zee’s Alif Ba — Discover the Alphabet with Zee was launched in 2003 and Zee’s Alphabet last year.
nhanif@thenational.ae
