RobuLingo provides an exposure-based starting point for rebuilding language after loss or learning from scratch. The project is currently in pre-beta.
Language learning, built for starting over
Millions of people lose language due to stroke. Tens of millions more are forced to rebuild their lives in a new language due to displacement.
RobuLingo began as a clinical project in aphasia: people who must relearn speech through massive, meaningful exposure — not by understanding rules. We realised the same challenges appear in forced displacement and in learning distant languages: exposure first, pattern second.
RobuLingo provides accessible speech-meaning interactions as a foundational starting point — so people can function, engage, and continue learning further.
RobuLingo is still in the making. We welcome feedback and input — and if you work along similar lines, we may be able to join forces.
P.S.: To get a sense of what people with aphasia struggle with, try learning some basics in a language unrelated to your own. RobuLingo provides several distant languages.
Pre-beta
Open the current build
Works best on a stable connection. If something doesn’t load, that’s useful feedback.
Activating the exit icon saves your progress to resume at the last position.
What to report
Unclear or wrong audio • confusing images • missing steps • anything that blocks progress • language coverage gaps.
Background
Clinical roots
RobuLingo grew out of language rehabilitation work and aphasia support.
RehaLingo
Concept
Foundational, not comprehensive
A workable starting point that unlocks further learning, instruction, or therapy.
Exposure first
Basic constructs, repetition, and meaningful use — similar to early, child-like acquisition.
Modules so far
Everyday items for aphasia
People with aphasia want to say names for everyday items. Indeed, in communication nouns give you great mileage. Here we followed the list of words patients asked for.1
Age-of-acquisition scaffolding
Children learn language beginning with concrete, item-based constructions grounded in social interaction, and gradually generalize and abstract from these experiences. Accordingly, this module organizes interactive language scenes by age of acquisition.2
Feedback
Short notes are enough. If you can, include device + browser and the language pair.
Footnotes
- Palmer, R., Hughes, H., Chater, T. (2017). What do people with aphasia want to be able to say? A content analysis of words identified as personally relevant by people with aphasia. PLOS ONE, 12, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0174065
- Tomasello, M. (2005). Constructing a Language. Harvard University Press; Diessel, H. (2019). The Grammar Network. Cambridge University Press; Goldberg, A. E. (2006). Constructions at Work. Oxford University Press.
Disclaimer
RobuLingo is a pre-beta learning and practice tool. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or speech and language therapy.
If you have concerns about stroke, aphasia, or other medical symptoms, seek qualified clinical care. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.