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[[Welcome to KDE UserBase|Home]] >> [[Applications|Applications]] >> [[Applications/Education|Education]] >> [[Parley|Parley]] >> [[Parley/Manual|Parley Manual]]


----


[[Welcome to KDE UserBase|Home]] >> [[Applications]] >> [[Applications/Education|Education]] >> [[Parley]] >> [[Parley/Manual|Parley Manual]]


<br>


= Parley Manual  =
<languages/>
<translate>


This Manual is for Parley that comes with the KDE Software Compilation 4.5 and later. Especially the practice has changed since KDE SC 4.4.
<!--T:1-->
{{Info|The information presented here covers Parley in the KDE Software Compilation 4.5.}}


== Introduction  ==
<!--T:282-->
This manual was written by Sabine Eller, Daniel Laidig and Frederik Gladhorn.


Parley is a vocabulary trainer. It helps you to memorize your vocabulary, for example when you are trying to learn a foreign language. You can create your own files with the words you need or select from a great variety of [[Parley#Vocabulary_Files_files|Vocabulary Files]]. There you can find files containing language vocabulary and also anatomy, music, geography, chemistry or exam preparation.


Parley is very flexible and uses the flash card learning approach. It automatically keeps track of your progress and lets you sort your vocabulary as you wish. But unlike real flash cards you can use different learning methods with Parley
<!--T:2-->
Copyright 2010 Sabine Eller, Daniel Laidig and Frederik Gladhorn


Flashcards contain expressions on the front side and their translation on the back. You start with a pile of cards. If you know the translation on a card, you can put it into a second pile of cards. If you fail, you keep it in the first one to try again later.
= Introduction  = <!--T:3-->


Parley's main focus is not to teach you grammar or other sophisticated things. However, there are some exercise forms which may help you in this matter.  
<!--T:284-->
Parley is a vocabulary trainer. It helps you to memorize your vocabulary, for example when you are trying to learn a foreign language. You can create your own vocabulary collections with the words you need or select from a great variety of available [[Special:myLanguage/Parley#Vocabulary_Collections|Vocabulary Collections]]. There you can find collections containing language vocabulary and also anatomy, music, geography, chemistry or exam preparation.


Tip: Like in all applications try to use the right-click if you explore features and functionality in Parley. The right-click displays a "context menu" that shows what you can do with your present situation. Try right-clicking a bit and have a look!
<!--T:4-->
Parley is very flexible and uses the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flashcard flash card learning approach]. It automatically keeps track of your learning progress. With Parley you can arrange your vocabulary as you wish, you create your own lessons as needed. But unlike real flash cards you can use different learning methods with Parley.


== Start Page  ==
<!--T:5-->
Flashcards contain expressions on the front side and their translation on the back. You start with a pile of cards. If you know the translation on a card, you can put it into a second pile of cards. If you did not remember it, you keep it in the first one to try again later.


When your first start Parley you are greeted by the start page. It shows you the last vocabulary collection that you worked with.  
<!--T:6-->
Parley's main focus is not to teach you grammar. However, there are some exercise forms which may help you in this matter.


A vocabulary collection is a file that contains lessons and words to practice.  
<!--T:7-->
Parley consists of two big parts: [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Practice|Vocabulary Practice]] and [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Vocabulary Editing|an Editor for Vocabulary Collections]].


[[Image:Parley welcome screen.png|thumb|300px]]
<!--T:8-->
In this manual the term ''Vocabulary Collection'' refers to a file that contains lessons and the vocabulary in the lessons.


To [[#Vocabulary_Editing|edit]] a file, click "Edit" on the right of it. To start practising right away, use the Practice button.  
<!--T:9-->
Both, the Editor and the Practice can be reached from the [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Start Page|Start Page]].


If you'd like to start your own collection of vocabulary, click "Create a New Collection".  
<!--T:10-->
The [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Practice|Practice]] consists of three parts: first the [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Practice Setup|Practice Setup]] where you choose what to practice. From there you start the actual [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Practice|Practice]] and when you are done, you get a [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Summary After Practice|Summary]].


You can also open a collection if you have it on your computer already but it's not in the list, or download a collection.


Parley comes with themes, you can switch to a different graphical style in the settings.
<!--T:11-->
{{Tip|Like in all applications try to use the right-click if you explore features and functionality in Parley. The right-click displays a "context menu" that shows what you can do with your present situation. Try right-clicking lessons and words to find some options.}}


== Open an existing file ==
= Start Page  = <!--T:12-->


Let's suppose your file is already on your hard disk.
<!--T:285-->
When you first launch Parley the '''Start Page''' welcomes you.
At first the '''Start Page''' is empty, once you opened some vocabulary collections, it shows you the ones you worked with most recently.  


This is how you will see your screen the first time you start Parley:
<!--T:13-->
[[Image:Parley welcome screen.png|500px]]


[[File:Parley_initial_screen_0-9-4.png|thumb|500px]]


Click on the button ''Open an Existing Collection''
<!--T:14-->
A vocabulary collection is a file that contains words and their translations into other languages or other pairs of words and sentences that you want to memorize. The words are organized in lessons.


In the file selection dialog navigate to the directory that contains the data file, select it by clicking on it. Depending on your system the file opens immediately or you have to click on ''ok''
<!--T:15-->
To ''start practicing'', click one of the vocabulary collections in the list. You are taken to the [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Practice_Setup|practice setup]].


[[File:Parley file select dialog 0-9-4.png|thumb|500px]]
<!--T:16-->
Note that a small '''Editor Icon''' appears to the right of the document name when you move the mouse over it. The '''Editor Icon''' lets you open the collection in the editor instead of practice mode.
To [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Vocabulary_Editing|edit]] a collection, click on the '''Editor Icon''' on its right hand side.


The file is loaded and you will see something similar to this:
<!--T:17-->
If you'd like to start your own collection of vocabulary, click on <menuchoice>Create a New Collection</menuchoice>.


[[File:Parley example file opened 0-9-4.png|thumb|500px]]
<!--T:18-->
You can also [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Open an existing collection|open a collection]] if you have it on your computer already but it's not in the list.


For the example file mentioned here we know that it contains pictures and sound. These are not immediately shown. Therefore the next step is to select the options for the visualization of pictures and sound files.
<!--T:19-->
The last button on the '''Start Page''' offers you to download vocabulary collections made by others. When you've created a file that you'd like to share with others, you can easily upload it from the editor.


In the menu bar select view and activate picture and sound.
<!--T:20-->
Parley comes with different themes, you can switch to a different graphical style in the settings. For further information, see [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Configure Parley|Configure Parley]].


[[File:Parley view picture and sound 0-9-4.png|thumb|500px]]
</translate><span id="Open an existing collection"></span><translate>


The next step for you is then how to practice vocabulary.
= Open an existing collection = <!--T:21-->


== Vocabulary Practice  ==
<!--T:286-->
Let's suppose your collection is already on your hard disk.


To start practising you select a document after starting Parley. When you have it opened in the editor, just click "Practice" in the toolbar.
<!--T:22-->
This is what the screen will look like the first time you start Parley:


<!--T:23-->
[[File:Parley_initial_screen_0-9-4.png|500px]]


<!--T:24-->
Click on '''Open an Existing Collection'''.


=== Configure Practice  ===
<!--T:25-->
In the file selection dialog, navigate to the directory containing the data file, and select it by clicking on it. Depending on your system the file either opens immediately, or you have to click '''OK'''


There are three areas in the practice configuration:
<!--T:26-->
[[File:Parley file select dialog 0-9-4.png|500px]]
 
 
<!--T:27-->
Now, the file is loaded, and you move on to the '''Practice Setup''' screen: see the following section for further details.
 
</translate><span id="Vocabulary Practice"></span><translate>
 
= Vocabulary Practice  = <!--T:28-->
 
<!--T:287-->
To start practicing you select a document after starting Parley. If you have it opened in the editor already, just click '''Practice''' in the toolbar.
 
</translate><span id="Practice Setup"></span><translate>
 
=== Practice Setup  === <!--T:29-->
 
<!--T:288-->
Before the actual practice starts, you always get to the Practice Setup page. There are three areas which allow you to choose what to practice:
* The selection of languages
* The selection of languages
* The selection of the practice mode
* The selection of the practice mode
* The selection of the lessons that also shows your current progress
* The selection of the lessons that also shows your current progress


You can also select which lessons you want to practice with the checkbox in front of the lesson name.
<!--T:30-->
The number of words that each lesson contains is shown next to its name.
[[File:configure_practice.png|500px]]
After that you see your current progress with this lesson.


[[File:configure_practice.png]]


<!--T:31-->
On the left you can select the combination of languages you will practice. If you select for example English to French, you will be shown English words and Parley will ask you to enter the French translations.


=== Blocking  ===
<!--T:32-->
Below the language selection you choose the practice mode. '''Practice Mode''' determines how the practice will ask you questions.


If you plan to practice your vocabulary regularly, you should enable the ''blocking'' feature. It is in the menu in '''Practice→Configure Practice'''. There you select the blocking page and tick the checkbox that says Blocking. Now you can even configure the interval in which words that you answered correctly will be repeated.
<!--T:33-->
In the big part on the right, you see the lessons of the vocabulary collection. You can select which lessons you want to practice with the checkbox in front of the lesson name. The number of words that each lesson contains is shown next to its name. On the right of the name you see your current progress for the lesson.


[[File:configure_blocking.png]]
</translate><span id="Advanced Practice Configuration"></span><translate>


Thresholds are another way of limiting what you want to practice.
=== Advanced Practice Configuration === <!--T:34-->
[[File:Parley configure_thresholds.png]]


<!--T:289-->
The '''Advanced Practice Configuration''' allows you to specify more advanced settings that will affect the practice.
<!--T:35-->
In the [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Practice_Setup|Practice Setup]] page you reach the '''Advanced Practice Configuration''' with the '''Configure Practice''' button in the toolbar. The button with the green icon.
</translate><span id="Blocking"></span><translate>
==== Blocking  ==== <!--T:36-->
<!--T:290-->
If you plan to practice your vocabulary regularly, you should make sure that the ''Blocking'' feature is enabled. The '''Blocking''' options are part of the [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Advanced Practice Configuration|Advanced Practice Configuration]]. There you go to the blocking page and tick the checkbox that says '''Blocking'''. Now you can even configure the interval in which words that you answered correctly will be repeated.
<!--T:37-->
''Blocking'' means that words will not be asked for some period of time after the last practice. This period of time depends on how well you know the word, so that words you don't know yet will be asked more frequently.
<!--T:38-->
[[File:configure_blocking.png|500px]]
==== Thresholds ==== <!--T:39-->
<!--T:291-->
Thresholds are another way of limiting what you want to practice.
<!--T:40-->
[[File:Parley configure_thresholds.png|500px]]
<!--T:41-->
You can decide to practice only words that you know better or less well than some grade. Or you can select only words that you have practiced a certain number of times.
</translate><span id="Advanced Practice Settings"></span><translate>
==== General Practice Settings ==== <!--T:42-->
<!--T:292-->
You can find several more configuration options for the practice in the advanced settings page.
You can find several more configuration options for the practice in the advanced settings page.
[[File:Parley configure_advanced.png]]


<!--T:43-->
[[File:Parley configure_advanced.png|500px]]
<!--T:44-->
The most important options are:
* Ignore accent mistakes: with this option if you enter a word with '''e''' instead of  '''é''' it will still count as right.
* Ignore capitalization mistakes: this option allows you to ignore capitalization when you enter words.
* Enable Images: if this is on, images will be displayed during the practice, if they are available.
* Active entries during practice: how many words will be asked repeatedly, before adding a new word. That means, if you set it to a low number, words will show up again faster, while with a high setting, the distance before you see the same word again is higher.
</translate><span id="Practice"></span><translate>
=== Practice === <!--T:45-->
====Flash Cards==== <!--T:293-->
<!--T:294-->
After having activated the '''Flash Card''' Practice Mode and having clicked on '''Start Practice''' the following screen shows up. The Flash Card training mode works just as if you would do it with "real" flash cards. You imagine the result and should you wish some help, you can click on '''Hint''' which will start to give you the result one letter at a time.
<!--T:46-->
You can also decide to skip a word for now. When you click '''Answer Later''' the word will show up again at a later time.
<!--T:47-->
[[File:Parley practice grey flash.png|500px]]
<!--T:48-->
Clicking on '''Continue''' reveals the solution. At this stage you then have to tell if you knew the answer.
If you did not know it, click '''I did not know it'''. If you did remember the answer, click '''I knew it'''.
This will take you to the next question.
<!--T:331-->
On the left hand side bottom of the screen you have 7 boxes that show how good you know the vocabulary. These 7 boxes correspond to the blocking levels set under '''[[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Blocking|Blocking]]''' in the '''Advanced Practice Configuration'''
<!--T:49-->
{{Tip|Instead of clicking '''Continue''' you can also use the <keycap>Spacebar</keycap> of your keyboard.}}
<!--T:50-->
[[File:Parley practice grey flash solution.png|500px]]
<!--T:51-->
You can stop practicing anytime by clicking on '''Stop Practice'''.
====Mixed Letters==== <!--T:52-->
<!--T:295-->
Mixed Letters is a training method that provides you with an immediate help: all letters that are part of the solution are shown mixed up:
<!--T:53-->
[[File:Parley mixed letters 0-9-4 001.png|500px]]
<!--T:54-->
Should you wish some help, you can click on '''Hint''' which will give you the solution one letter at a time. Of course you can also decide to '''Answer Later''' by clicking on that button.
<!--T:55-->
To give the answer type it in the blank field below the mixed letters and press the <keycap>Enter</keycap> key or '''Continue''' button.
<!--T:56-->
If your answer was correct Parley will tell you so and you can press <keycap>Enter</keycap> again or click on '''Continue''' to go ahead with the next question.
<!--T:57-->
[[File:Parley mixed letters 0-9-4 002.png|500px]]
<!--T:58-->
Should you enter a wrong answer, you will be told to ''try again'':
<!--T:59-->
[[File:Parley mixed letters 0-9-4 003.png|500px]]
<!--T:60-->
If you don't know the answer, just click on '''Continue''' a second time. Then the following comes up and you are shown the solution. Go ahead with '''Continue'''.
<!--T:61-->
[[File:Parley mixed letters 0-9-4 004.png|500px]]
<!--T:62-->
After the solution is revealed, you see a big icon on the right that indicates if your answer will count as right or wrong.
You can overrule how your answer is counted. See [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Counting an Answer as Right|Counting an Answer as Right]].
====Multiple Choice==== <!--T:63-->
=====Automatic selection of the possible answers===== <!--T:332-->
<!--T:296-->
In '''Multiple Choice''' mode you are shown a number of potential answers, of which only one is correct. By clicking on '''Hint''' Parley excludes one of the wrong answers so that your choice gets more and more restricted with each further click on '''Hint'''. Of course you may also choose to '''Answer Later'''.
<!--T:64-->
[[File:Parley multiple choice 0-9-4 001.png|500px]]
<!--T:65-->
Once you made your choice by clicking on what you believe to be correct, Parley shows up with the screen below if the answer was right. Go ahead with the next question by clicking on '''Continue'''.
<!--T:66-->
[[File:Parley multiple choice 0-9-4 002.png|500px]]
<!--T:67-->
If your answer instead was wrong, the correct answer will be shown in green and the wrong one in red. Also here you go ahead by clicking on '''Continue'''.
<!--T:68-->
[[File:Parley multiple choice 0-9-4 003.png|500px]]
<!--T:69-->
After the solution is revealed, you see a big icon on the right that indicates if your answer will count as right or wrong.
You can overrule how your answer is counted. See [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Counting an Answer as Right|Counting an Answer as Right]].
<!--T:70-->
If you wish to stop practice, just click on the '''Stop Practice''' button.
=====With yes/no answers===== <!--T:333-->
<!--T:334-->
Normally Parley automatically proposes one correct and several wrong answers in Multiple Choice mode. For some exercises instead you will have preset answers like yes/no or similar. And for these you have to configure the practice by clicking on '''[[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Advanced Practice Configuration|Configure Practice]]'''.
<!--T:335-->
Select the tab '''Advanced''' and you will get something very similar to the following screenshot:
<!--T:336-->
[[File:Parley configure_advanced.png|500px]]
<!--T:337-->
If you have just ''two choices'' like ''yes/no'' in the section '''Multiple Choice''' set the '''Number of choices''' to '''2'''.
====Written==== <!--T:71-->
<!--T:297-->
When you select the option '''Written''' to do your practice you are supposed to type in the solution. You can use the button '''Hint''' which will start to give you the result one letter at a time. Of course you can also decide to '''Answer Later''' by clicking on that button.
<!--T:72-->
[[File:Parley practice grey written.png|500px]]
<!--T:73-->
Once you have entered the solution, click on '''Continue''' and Parley will show whether your answer was correct. Go ahead by clicking on '''Continue''' again.
<!--T:74-->
[[File:Parley practice grey written right.png|500px]]
<!--T:75-->
Should you give a wrong answer, you may try again several times to find the right answer. If you don't try again, and just click on '''Continue''', the solution will be shown.


<!--T:76-->
[[File:Parley practice grey written wrong.png|500px]]




=== Practice ===
<!--T:77-->
Go ahead practicing by clicking on '''Continue''' or stop by clicking on the button '''Stop Practice'''.


[[File:Parley practice grey flash.png]]
<!--T:78-->
[[File:Parley practice grey flash solution.png]]
When the solution is revealed, you see a big icon on the right that indicates if your answer will count as right or wrong.
You can overrule how your answer is counted. See [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Counting an Answer as Right|Counting an Answer as Right]].


</translate><span id="Counting an Answer as Right"></span><translate>


[[File:Parley practice grey written.png]]
====Counting an Answer as Right ==== <!--T:79-->
[[File:Parley practice grey written right.png]]
[[File:Parley practice grey written wrong.png]]


[[File:Parley practice bees.png]]
<!--T:298-->
After the solution is revealed, you see a big icon on the right that indicates if your answer will count as right or wrong.
If you see the big checkmark, Parley thinks you were right.


[[File:Parley practice fluffy.png]]


=== Summary After Practice ===
<!--T:80-->
The summary shows up when you finish a learning session. It shows in a big bar, how well you did.
[[File:Parley practice icon right.png]]
Below it you see in a table all the words that you practiced and the mistakes that you made. You can even sort this table by clicking on the column headers.
That is especially helpful if you want to know which words you need to practice most. Click the wrong attempts column for that.
[[File:Parley practice summary.png]]


=== Grammar Practice Modes ===
==== Articles and Gender of Nouns ====


====Comparison Forms of Adjectives====
<!--T:81-->
If you needed more than one attempt to answer correctly, your answer will be counted as wrong.


====Conjugations====
[[File:configure_practice_conjugation.png]]


[[File:Parley practice bees conjugation.png]]
<!--T:82-->
[[File:Parley practice icon wrong.png]]


==Creating new files==
In this section we will describe how to create new files and this not only with the usual vocabulary learning part, but also for grammar exercises, mathematics etc.


===New Collection: Vocabulary trainer English-German===
<!--T:83-->
In this section we describe how you can create a vocabulary training file including pictures and sound.
You can click the small icon next to the indicator to change how your answer is counted. The big symbol always indicates how the answer is counted.
 
====Reset Practice to Initial State==== <!--T:84-->
 
<!--T:299-->
You can reset all your practice scores (remove the grades) to the initial state. When being in edit mode select '''Edit''' from the menu bar and then '''Remove Grades'''.
 
<!--T:85-->
Furthermore you can reset your grades for individual lessons from within the '''Practice Setup''' by right clicking on the lesson to reset and choose '''Remove Grades'''.


Since we wish to add soundfiles and pictures, we must make sure that these will all be in one folder which for convenience is being called ''eng-deu''. Our data file we create with Parley will be saved in the same folder.
</translate><span id="Summary After Practice"></span><translate>


So this is what we have in terms of soundfiles and pictures:
=== Summary After Practice === <!--T:86-->


[[File:Folder_with_sound_and_pictures.png|thumb|500px]]
<!--T:300-->
The summary shows up when you finish a learning session. In the big bar on the top it shows you how well you did.


Let's start from the welcome screen which is shown once you launch Parley:
<!--T:87-->
Below is a table with all the words you practiced, together with the mistakes you made.
The words with the most mistakes are on top so you can easily see what you do not know yet.


[[File:Parley_initial_screen_0-9-4.png|thumb|500px]]
<!--T:88-->
[[File:Parley practice summary.png|500px]]


Click on the button '''Create a New Collection'''
=== Grammar Practice Modes === <!--T:89-->


The '''General Document Properties''' page shows up which is being filled as follows (just adapt to what your file is about):
<!--T:301-->
With Parley you can also learn specific grammar structures, such as the gender of nouns, the comparison forms of adjectives and the conjugation of verbs. Let's look at some examples.


[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_001.png|thumb|500px]]
==== Articles and Gender of Nouns ==== <!--T:90-->


Just click on '''OK'''. The following screen asks you for the '''Properties for English'''. Here we don't want to change anything and therefore we just click on '''OK'''.
<!--T:302-->
Once the practice mode '''Gender of Nouns''' is activated, click on '''Start Practice'''.


As a first step, let's just create the vocabulary part. We will think about the addition of the soundfiles and pictures in a second stage. So this is how the Vocabulary trainer file looks like:
<!--T:91-->
In the case below we use German as language to learn and so you have three genders to choose from: masculine, feminine and neuter. By clicking on '''Hint''' one of the wrong answers gets excluded. Of course you can also decide to '''Answer Later''' by clicking on that button.


[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_002.png|thumb|500px]]
<!--T:92-->
You should enter the articles for the language in the Editor to see the articles instead of the grammatical gender terms. Also note that this only works, if the gender of the words has been set up properly. See [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Word Types|Word Types]] for more information how to change the word type to the right gender.


Before we do anything else, let's save the file to the folder with the pictures and soundfiles. Just click on the '''Save'''-icon and select the folder using the navigation. In this example we will call the file '''Trainer eng-deu''' - once you entered the name just click on save.
<!--T:93-->
[[File:Parley articles and gender 0-9-4 001.png|500px]]


[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_003.png|thumb|500px]]


If you now check your folder where the soundfiles and pictures are, you will also find the file '''Trainer eng-deu.kvtml'''
<!--T:94-->
When you give the correct answer the following is shown and you go ahead practicing by clicking on '''Continue'''.


Let's have a short look at the words we want to add: ''apple, bird, cat, cherry, cow, orange, pear, snake, strawberry''. We have animals and fruit and therefore we decide to create two lessons that are called: '''animals''' and '''fruit'''.
<!--T:95-->
[[File:Parley articles and gender 0-9-4 002.png|500px]]


We now change '''Lesson 1''' to '''Animals''' and then will add a lesson called '''Fruit'''. Right-click on '''Lesson 1''' and choose '''Rename Lesson''' from the options shown. Now '''Lesson 1''' is highlighted and you can simply overwrite it by typing in '''Animals'''. When done, just hit the return button. Now right-click on '''Collection: Vocabulary trainer E...''' which is the root of the lesson tree and choose '''New Lesson''' from the options shown. In the new field write '''Fruit''' and hit the return button.


Let's insert first the animals. Please click on the lesson '''Animals''' and you will get the empty table you can fill in. Just a first click with your mouse in the first field, insert the source terms in the first column and the target terms in the second column. Once you inserted all 4 English animal names with their German translation the screen looks like this:
<!--T:96-->
Should you give the wrong answer the following is shown and you go ahead practicing by clicking on '''Continue'''.


===New Collection: Single names and collective names===
<!--T:97-->
This exercise was created for the 3rd class of an Italian primary school. Pupils are supposed to connect single names with collective names, such as '''tree --> woods'''
[[File:Parley articles and gender 0-9-4 003.png|500px]]


When you start Parley you get the start page, eventually also listing some previously used files (that you cannot see here).


[[File:Parley_initial_screen_0-9-4.png|thumb|500px]]
<!--T:98-->
You can stop practicing anytime by clicking on '''Stop Practice'''.


Click on '''Create a New Collection''' and the following screen with empty or partly filled fields will show up:
</translate><span id="Comparison Forms of Adjectives and Adverbs"></span><translate>


[[File:Parley create new exercise collective names1.jpeg|thumb|500px]]
====Comparison Forms of Adjectives and Adverbs==== <!--T:99-->


Fill in the title, here '''nomi singoli e collettivi''', your name, e-mail address, in the '''Comment''' section you can write down a more detailed description, select your category and license. Then there we have something special: instead of indicating the first and second language, like it normally would happen, we added '''nome singolo''' (single name) and '''nome collettivo''' (collective name). '''Setup Grammar Details''' and '''Download Grammar''' are not needed here. In the screenshot they are still activated - please deactivate them by just clicking on the checkboxes. When you are done, please click on '''OK'''.
<!--T:100-->
On the '''Practice''' screen select '''Comparison Forms''' and then click on '''Start Practice''' to go ahead.


The '''Properties page''' for '''nome singolo''' comes up and here you see it already with the necessary changes made:  
<!--T:101-->
This only works when the conjugation forms of the word have been entered in the vocabulary collection. See [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Entering Comparison Forms|Entering Comparison Forms]].


[[File:Parley create new exercise collective names4.jpeg|thumb|500px]]
<!--T:102-->
[[File:Parley comparison eng-deu 0-9-4 002.png|500px]]


On the left hand side you can see where the data you are adding belongs to. '''nome singolo'''. Choose the language, here '''Italian''' and insert '''nome singolo''' in the following editable field. Then click on '''OK'''.


Now the '''Properties page''' for '''nome collettivo''' is shown:
<!--T:103-->
The exercise requires you to enter the comparison forms for the term shown. In this case the translation of the English word ''old'' to German. The German language has three forms: ''absolute, comparative'' and ''superlative''. To go on with the exercise just click on '''Continue'''.


[[File:Parley create new exercise collective names5.jpeg|thumb|500px]]
<!--T:104-->
[[File:Parley comparison eng-deu 0-9-4 003.png|500px]]


Like before: choose '''Italian''' as language and insert '''nome collettivo''' and click on '''OK'''.
</translate><span id="Conjugations"></span><translate>


And now you can start to edit:
====Conjugations==== <!--T:105-->


[[File:Parley create new exercise collective names7.jpeg|thumb|500px]]
<!--T:303-->
To practice conjugations choose the '''Conjugations''' mode and the tenses you wish to exercise.


Just insert the '''nome singolo''' (single name) in the first column and the corresponding '''nome collettivo''' (collective name) in the second column.
<!--T:106-->
In the document the conjugation forms of the words have to be entered in order to allow this practice mode to work. See [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Entering Conjugation Forms|Entering Conjugation Forms]].


[[File:Parley create new exercise collective names8.jpeg|thumb|500px]]
<!--T:107-->
[[File:configure_practice_conjugation.png|500px]]


If the number of available fields is not enough, just right-click anywhere on the edit section and choose '''Add New Entry'''. Don't forget to save your file every now and then. When you have finished adding all entries you will want to see if Practice mode works fine. Well just click on the '''Practice''' button right above the edit section and the page with the practice settings comes up:


[[File:Parley create new exercise collective names10.jpeg|thumb|500px]]
<!--T:108-->
Then click on '''Start Practice'''. You are required to enter the correct conjugation forms according to the tense shown. To go ahead click on '''Continue'''


In this case '''Multiple Choice''' is a good option, but also '''Written''' will do fine. After choosing the Practice Mode just click on '''Start Practice''' and have fun.
<!--T:109-->
[[File:Parley_practice_conjugation.png|500px]]


== Vocabulary Editing ==
</translate><span id="Vocabulary Editing"></span><translate>


[[Image:Parley edit main.png]]  
= Vocabulary Editing  = <!--T:110-->
[[Image:Parley edit main.png|500px]]  


=== Setup  ===
== Setup  == <!--T:111-->


<!--T:304-->
Before you start using a vocabulary collection or create your own it is helpful to understand the different elements in Parley and configure them accordingly. The next sections will guide you step by step through this process. There are several locations in Parley for settings:  
Before you start using a vocabulary collection or create your own it is helpful to understand the different elements in Parley and configure them accordingly. The next sections will guide you step by step through this process. There are several locations in Parley for settings:  


<!--T:112-->
*'''File→Properties''' This is the place for the "General Document Properties", meaning some information about your vocabulary collection and yourself.  
*'''File→Properties''' This is the place for the "General Document Properties", meaning some information about your vocabulary collection and yourself.  
*'''Edit→Languages''' Find here settings around the languages you use  
*'''Edit→Languages''' Find here settings around the languages you use  
*'''Practice→Configure Practice''' Here are settings how you practice your vocabulary. Depending on what you want to do in the moment you change them on the fly.  
*'''Practice→Configure Practice''' Here are settings how you practice your vocabulary. Depending on what you want to do during the specific learning session you change them on the fly.  
*'''Settings→Configure Parley''' For more general and display settings
*'''Settings→Configure Parley''' For more general and display settings


==== About the Collection  ====
=== About the Collection  === <!--T:113-->
 
<!--T:305-->
Entering meta data like a title and your contact info is relevant if you plan to make your collection available for other people. Use '''File→Properties''' to edit the data.
 
<!--T:114-->
[[File:Parley document properties.png|500px]]


Entering meta data like a title and your contact info if you plan on giving your collection to other people. Use '''File-&gt;Properties''' to edit the data.
===Vocabulary Columns=== <!--T:115-->


[[File:Parley document properties.png]]
<!--T:306-->
Depending on what your learning sessions are going to be about it can be relevant to have further Vocabulary Columns show up in your edit section. To choose these columns select '''View''' from the Menu bar and then '''Vocabulary Columns'''. There you can determine if the columns for ''Pronunciation, Word Type, Synonym, Antonym, Example, Comment'' and/or ''Paraphrase'' are to be shown.


==== Languages and Grammar  ====
<!--T:116-->
[[File:Parley trainer eng-deu 0-9-4 010.png|500px]]


Set up some grammar details to let Parley help you. Use '''Edit-&gt;languages''' to pull up the grammar dialog.
</translate><span id="Languages and Grammar"></span><translate>


Articles in English are simply '''the''' which is the definite article and '''a''' as indefinite article. Most other languages have more articles which can be filled in at the articles tab.<br>  
=== Languages and Grammar  === <!--T:117-->


<!--T:307-->
Set up some grammar details to let Parley help you. Use '''Edit→Languages''' to pull up the grammar dialog.
<!--T:118-->
Articles in English are simply '''the''' which is the definite article and '''a''' as indefinite article. Most other languages have more articles which can be filled in at the articles tab.<br />
<!--T:119-->
For conjugations the personal pronouns should be filled out. Most languages do not have different conjugation forms for he/she/it, in that case, you should ''not'' check '''Male/Female have different conjugations'''! Simply enter the pronouns for all three forms. Personal Pronouns in English:  
For conjugations the personal pronouns should be filled out. Most languages do not have different conjugation forms for he/she/it, in that case, you should ''not'' check '''Male/Female have different conjugations'''! Simply enter the pronouns for all three forms. Personal Pronouns in English:  


<!--T:120-->
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" style="width: 348px; height: 91px;"
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" style="width: 348px; height: 91px;"
|-
|-
Line 255: Line 526:
|}
|}


<br> Tenses: Depending on the language, you can enter the right tenses which you later want to learn how to conjugate. Examples are: Simple Present, Simple Past, Future I etc.  
<!--T:121-->
<br />Tenses: Depending on the language, you can enter the right tenses which you later want to learn how to conjugate. Examples are: Simple Present, Simple Past, Future I etc.  
 
<!--T:122-->
Btw. by clicking on the '''Add New Language''' button you can add an additional language to your collection.
 
====Let's Have a Closer Look at Spanish ==== <!--T:123-->
 
<!--T:124-->
On the '''General''' tab the basic language settings, like here
 
<!--T:125-->
*'''Language''' = Spanish
*'''Name''' = Spanish
*'''Keyboard layout''' = de (for German)
 
<!--T:126-->
You can leave '''Keyboard layout''' empty if you are not sure about what you are using. Parley will then simply take the standard layout of your computer.
 
<!--T:127-->
[[File:Parley new_document_lang_general.png|500px]]
 
 
<!--T:128-->
Let's have a look at the '''Articles''' tab: Spanish knows only male and female nouns, therefore the field '''Neutral''' remains empty.
 
<!--T:129-->
[[File:Parley new_document_lang_articles.png|500px]]


[[File:Parley new_document_lang_general.png]]
[[File:Parley new_document_lang_articles.png]]
[[File:Parley new_document_lang_personalpronouns.png]]
[[File:Parley new_document_lang_tenses.png]]


=== Lessons  ===
<!--T:130-->
Spanish '''Personal Pronouns''' have multiple forms for 3rd person singular and 1st, 2nd and 3rd person plural. To remain consistent, the possibilities should be entered with a '''/''' between the two forms.


<!--T:131-->
[[File:Parley new_document_lang_personalpronouns.png|500px]]
<!--T:132-->
Under '''Tenses''' you will find the various tenses that are available for a verb form. You can add to the tenses that are already there by clicking on '''New''', modify with '''Modify''' or in case something does not actually exist simply '''Delete''' the tense after having it selected.
<!--T:133-->
[[File:Parley new_document_lang_tenses.png|500px]]
== Lessons  == <!--T:134-->
<!--T:308-->
On the left you have a list of lessons. If you started a new collection, this list might be empty except for one lesson that was created by default for you.  
On the left you have a list of lessons. If you started a new collection, this list might be empty except for one lesson that was created by default for you.  


If you cannot see the list of lessons, you might have to enable it in the View menu - ''View-&gt;Lessons.''
<!--T:135-->
If you cannot see the list of lessons, you might have to enable it in the View menu - '''View→Lessons'''.
 
<!--T:136-->
The check boxes in front of the lesson name show which lessons are currently included in your practice. The number next to it is the number of words in the lesson.
 
=== New Lesson  === <!--T:137-->


The check boxes in front of the lesson name show which lessons are currently included in your practice. The number next to it, is the number of words in the lesson.  
<!--T:309-->
Add a new lesson: Select where this lesson belongs to, for example the collection '''My Spanish Lessons'''.


==== New Lesson  ====
<!--T:138-->
Add a new lesson: Select where this lesson belongs to, for example the collection "My Spanish Lessons".
[[File:Parley new lesson1.png|500px]]


[[File:Parley new lesson1.png]]


In the Lesson menu, select "New Lesson".
<!--T:139-->
In the Lesson menu, select '''New Lesson'''.


[[File:Parley new lesson2.png]]
<!--T:140-->
[[File:Parley new lesson2.png|500px]]


It is important, which lesson is selected before adding a new lesson!


==== Moving, Renaming and Deleting Lessons ====
<!--T:141-->
Please make sure to select the right point in the tree structure of lessons before selecting '''New Lesson'''. In our case, wanting a ''Sub-Lesson'' of '''Collection: My Spanish Lessons''' it is exactly that one that needs to be selected before going ahead with '''New Lesson'''.


To change the name of a lesson, double click it, or right click on the lesson and choose "''rename''". You can also delete it this way (but you'll loose its contents also then).
=== Moving, Renaming and Deleting Lessons  === <!--T:142-->


If you don't like the arrangement of lessons, you can move a lesson with the mouse. You can drag it onto another lesson, then it will become a child of that lesson.  
<!--T:310-->
To change the name of a lesson, double click it, or right click on the lesson and choose '''Rename'''. You can also delete it this way (but you'll lose its contents also then).  


==== Splitting a lesson ====
<!--T:143-->
If you don't like the arrangement of lessons, you can move a lesson with the mouse. You can drag it onto another lesson, then it will become a child of that lesson.


If your lessons grow too big, you can choose to split them up to make learning easier in small units. 20 words for a lesson is probably a good size. Right click a lesson, or use Lesson-&gt;Split and the lesson will be separated into child lessons. You can choose to randomize the words that are put into the new lessons before assigning them, or to keep them in order.
=== Splitting a Lesson === <!--T:144-->


==== What is Shown in the Table  ====
<!--T:311-->
If your lessons grow too big, you can choose to split them up to make learning easier in small units. 20 words for a lesson is probably a good size. Right click a lesson, or use '''Lesson→Split Lesson into Smaller Lessons''' and the lesson will be separated into child lessons. You can choose to randomize the words that are put into the new lessons before assigning them, or to keep them in order.


=== What is Shown in the Table  === <!--T:145-->
<!--T:312-->
Parley shows always the words of the lesson that you have currently selected. You can enable to see the words in sub-lessons contained in this lesson also. Use '''Lesson→Show Entries from Child Lessons''' to enable this. That way, you can browse all words by selecting the document lesson at the very top.  
Parley shows always the words of the lesson that you have currently selected. You can enable to see the words in sub-lessons contained in this lesson also. Use '''Lesson→Show Entries from Child Lessons''' to enable this. That way, you can browse all words by selecting the document lesson at the very top.  


<br>  
<!--T:146-->
<br />


=== Word Types ===
</translate><span id="Word Types"></span><translate>


== Word Types  == <!--T:147-->
<!--T:313-->
Parley lets you associate word types with the words. Word types are for example: Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives and Adverbs.  
Parley lets you associate word types with the words. Word types are for example: Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives and Adverbs.  


<!--T:148-->
In order to work with word types, enable the word type tool: '''View→Word Types'''  
In order to work with word types, enable the word type tool: '''View→Word Types'''  


<!--T:149-->
You can categorize the word types just like lessons.  
You can categorize the word types just like lessons.  


<!--T:150-->
If you want to see all words of a certain type - e.g. all nouns, simply select the noun category, and you will see only nouns in the table.  
If you want to see all words of a certain type - e.g. all nouns, simply select the noun category, and you will see only nouns in the table.  


<!--T:151-->
The easiest way to set the word type, is to drag and drop a word onto its type. You can even do this with multiple words at the same time.  
The easiest way to set the word type, is to drag and drop a word onto its type. You can even do this with multiple words at the same time.  


=== Words or Sentences  ===
=== Words or Sentences  === <!--T:152-->


Finally the real vocabulary comes here&nbsp;:D
=== Adding New Vocabulary  === <!--T:314-->


==== Adding New Vocabulary ====
<!--T:315-->
Use '''Add New Entry''' in the toolbar to add new words. You can start typing the word in the first language right away. By default Parley lets you enter another word when you press <keycap>Enter</keycap> in the last row, so you don't have to keep using the '''Add''' button. After entering the first word, press <keycap>Tab</keycap> to go to the next language.


Use "''Add New Entry''" in the toolbar to add new words. You can start typing the word in the first language right away. By default Parley lets you enter another word when you press enter in the last row, so you don't have to keep using the add button. After entering the first word, press enter or tab to go to the next language.
=== Editing Words  === <!--T:153-->
 
==== Editing Words  ====


<!--T:316-->
If you want to replace a word, select its entry and start typing. To change the word instead, double click the entry and you can change the contents of the cell without losing the old word.  
If you want to replace a word, select its entry and start typing. To change the word instead, double click the entry and you can change the contents of the cell without losing the old word.  


Press '''''TAB''''' to go to the next word. Enter leaves the editing mode. You can use the arrow keys to move around.  
<!--T:154-->
Press <keycap>Tab</keycap> to go to the next word. <keycap>Enter</keycap> leaves the editing mode. You can use the arrow keys to move around.  


=== Synonyms  ===
== Synonyms  == <!--T:155-->


<!--T:317-->
Synonyms are hard to set up and do not always work really well. Here is how you set them up in any case:  
Synonyms are hard to set up and do not always work really well. Here is how you set them up in any case:  


<!--T:156-->
*Use '''View→Synonyms''' to see the synonyms tool.  
*Use '''View→Synonyms''' to see the synonyms tool.  
*Select first word (A) you want to make synonyms, then click on the second word (B)  
*Select first word (A) you want to make synonyms, then click on the second word (B)  
*The button in the synonym tool changes it's text to "A and B are synonyms"
*The button in the synonym tool changes it's text to '''A and B are synonyms'''


<!--T:157-->
The words will now be shown as connected in the synonym tool and can be recognized as synonyms in the practice.
The words will now be shown as connected in the synonym tool and can be recognized as synonyms in the practice.


=== Adding Sound ===
== Adding Images == <!--T:158-->
First show the sound tool - '''View→Synonyms'''.
 
<!--T:318-->
First show the image tool by selecting '''View''' in the menu bar and then clicking on '''Image'''. The checkbox in front of '''Image''' will then be activated. This will show up the picture section on the right hand side of the Parley screen
 
<!--T:159-->
To add an image to a word make sure the word is highlighted. In the image section on the right hand side click on the '''Folder icon''' and choose the picture you wish to associate.
 
<!--T:160-->
[[File:Parley trainer eng-deu 0-9-4 006.png|500px]]
 
== Adding Sound == <!--T:161-->
First show the sound tool by selecting '''View''' in the menu bar and then clicking on '''Sound'''. This will show up the sound section on the right hand side of the Parley screen.
 
<!--T:162-->
To add a sound to a word make sure the word is highlighted. In the sound section on the right hand side click on the '''Folder icon''' and choose the sound you wish to associate.
 
<!--T:163-->
[[File:Parley trainer eng-deu 0-9-4 007.png|500px]]
 
</translate><span id="Entering Comparison Forms"></span><translate>
 
== Entering Comparison Forms == <!--T:164-->
 
<!--T:319-->
In order to enter comparison forms, make sure the comparison forms tool is enabled. You open it with the menu: '''View→Comparison Forms'''
 
<!--T:165-->
First select a word that is an adjective or adverb.
 
<!--T:166-->
[[File:Parley edit comparison form 1.png|500px]]
 
 
<!--T:167-->
Click the '''Adjective''' or '''Adverb''' button in the comparison forms tool.
 
<!--T:168-->
[[File:Parley edit comparison form 2.png|500px]]
 
 
<!--T:169-->
Enter the comparison forms.
 
<!--T:170-->
[[File:Parley edit comparison form 3.png|500px]]
 
 
<!--T:171-->
Now you can use the [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Comparison Forms of Adjectives and Adverbs|Comparison Forms Practice]] mode.
 
</translate><span id="Entering Conjugation Forms"></span><translate>
 
== Entering Conjugation Forms == <!--T:172-->
 
<!--T:320-->
In order to enter conjugation forms, make sure the conjugation forms tool is enabled. You open it with the menu: '''View→Conjugation'''
 
<!--T:173-->
First select a word that is a verb.
 
<!--T:174-->
[[File:Parley edit conjugation 1.png|500px]]
 
 
<!--T:175-->
Click the '''... is a Verb''' button in the conjugations tool.


To add sound to a word, you select the word in the table (in the language the sound file is in) and select the sound file in the sound tool.
<!--T:176-->
[[File:Parley edit conjugation 2.png|500px]]


== Using Parley for Exam Preparation ==


<!--T:177-->
After selecting the right tense in the tense selection box, enter the conjugation forms.
<!--T:178-->
The tenses can be configured for each language: [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Languages and Grammar|Languages and Grammar]].
<!--T:179-->
Now you can use the [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Conjugations|Conjugations Practice]] mode.
==Creating New Files== <!--T:180-->
<!--T:321-->
In this section we will describe how to create new files and this not only with the usual vocabulary learning part, but also for grammar exercises, mathematics etc.
===New Collection: Vocabulary English-German=== <!--T:181-->
<!--T:322-->
In this section we describe how you can create a vocabulary training file including pictures and sound. In a second stage we will also add adjectives and verbs. This is a very complete example and therefore quite long. Eventually you will not need all points for your project.
<!--T:182-->
Since we wish to add sound-files and pictures, we should make sure that these will all be in one folder which for convenience is being called ''eng-deu''. Our data file we create with Parley will be saved in the same folder. This will help a lot when you decide to share your work with others.
<!--T:183-->
So this is what we have in terms of sound files and pictures:
<!--T:184-->
[[File:Folder_with_sound_and_pictures.png|500px]]
<!--T:185-->
Let's start from the '''Start Page''' which is shown once you launch Parley:
<!--T:186-->
[[File:Parley_initial_screen_0-9-4.png|500px]]
<!--T:187-->
Click on the button '''Create a New Collection'''.
<!--T:188-->
The '''General Document Properties''' page shows up which is being filled as follows (just adapt to what your file is about):
<!--T:189-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_001.png|500px]]
<!--T:190-->
Next click on '''OK'''. The following screen asks you to set up the language details. Here we don't want to change anything and therefore we just click on '''OK'''.
<!--T:191-->
As a first step, let's create the vocabulary part. We will think about the addition of the sound files and pictures in a second stage. This is what the lesson looks like:
<!--T:192-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_002.png|500px]]
<!--T:193-->
Before we do anything else, let's save the file to the folder with the pictures and sound-files. Click on the '''Save''' icon and select the folder using the navigation. In this example we will call the file '''Trainer eng-deu''' - once you entered the name just click on save.
<!--T:194-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_003.png|500px]]
<!--T:195-->
If you now check your folder where the sound-files and pictures are, you will also find the file '''Trainer eng-deu.kvtml'''
<!--T:196-->
Let's have a short look at the words we want to add: ''apple, bird, cat, cherry, cow, orange, pear, snake, strawberry''. We have animals and fruit and therefore we decide to create two lessons that are called: '''Animals''' and '''Fruit'''.
<!--T:197-->
We now rename '''Lesson 1''' to '''Animals''' and then we add a lesson called '''Fruit'''. Right-click on '''Lesson 1''' and choose '''Rename Lesson''' from the options shown. Now '''Lesson 1''' is highlighted and you can simply overwrite it by typing in '''Animals'''. When done, hit the <keycap>Enter</keycap> key. Now right-click on '''Collection: Vocabulary trainer E...''' which is the root of the lesson tree and choose '''New Lesson''' from the options shown. In the new field write '''Fruit''' and hit the <keycap>Enter</keycap> key again.
<!--T:198-->
First, let's insert the animals. Please click on the lesson '''Animals''' and you will get an empty table you can fill in. Click with your mouse in the first field, and insert the source terms.  Then, insert the target terms in the second column. Once you've inserted all 4 English animal names with their German translation the screen looks like this:
<!--T:199-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_004.png|500px]]
<!--T:200-->
In our case we want only 4 entries in the animals lesson. There are many empty lines that should be deleted. To do this click on the first empty field, and keep the <keycap>Shift</keycap> key pressed while clicking on the last empty field. All lines to be deleted will be highlighted. Then, press the <keycap>Del</keycap> key and confirm the question ''Do you really want to delete the selected entries?'' by clicking on the '''Delete''' button.
<!--T:201-->
Let's add the fruit terminology. Just click on the lesson named '''Fruit'''. This second lesson is completely empty. Since we have five fruit terms we need to add five lines. Therefore, press the <keycap>Ins</keycap> key five times, and then, just like before, we add our terminology.
<!--T:202-->
Don't forget to save every now and then ...
<!--T:203-->
A click on the root of our lesson tree '''Collection: Vocabulary trainer E...''' and Parley will show us all entries that are present in the two lessons:
<!--T:204-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_005.png|500px]]
<!--T:205-->
Time to add sound and images. First of all we need to activate the Image and Sound views. From the menu bar select '''View''' and there click on '''Image''' and then '''Sound'''. Once these options are activated, two new sections are shown on the right hand side of the Parley editing screen: ''Image'' and ''Sound''.
<!--T:206-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_006.png|500px]]
<!--T:207-->
Select the English word ''apple'' by clicking on it. It is highlighted, so let's add the picture. In the image section on the right hand side click on the '''Folder''' icon and choose the picture you wish to associate.
<!--T:208-->
To add the pronunciation for the English apple, do the same in the Sound section, selecting the relevant sound file.
<!--T:209-->
By clicking on the '''Play''' button in the sound tool you can listen to the pronunciation.
<!--T:210-->
The screen will then look like this:
<!--T:211-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_007.png|500px]]
<!--T:212-->
Then click on the German translation '''Apfel'''. The field is now highlighted to indicate the selection. You will note the picture with the apple is associated also to the German term. In the sound section select the pronunciation, just like before.
<!--T:213-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_008.png|500px]]
<!--T:214-->
Just go ahead like this for all terms.
<!--T:215-->
Time to add adjectives and verbs as lessons to our project. So just do as before with the lesson ''Fruit'' and create two new lessons: ''Adjectives'' and ''Verbs''. Let's assume we will add ''big, small, old, young, narrow'' in the adjective lesson and ''to go, to come, to buy, to drink, to eat'' in the verb lesson.
<!--T:216-->
The following shows a screenshot with all inserted terminology. Now, words are mixed and it would be nice to see what is a ''noun, adjective'' or ''verb''.
<!--T:217-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_009.png|500px]]
<!--T:218-->
As the next step we are going to show the '''Word Type'''. Select '''View''' in the menu bar and then select '''Vocabulary Columns'''. We activate '''Word Type''' for ''English'' and ''German'' by clicking on the checkbox in front of '''Word Type'''. Then click on '''OK''' to accept the changes.
<!--T:219-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_010.png|500px]]
<!--T:220-->
By clicking on the fields in the column '''Word Type''' you can select the word type and for those languages where nouns have a gender you can also select the ''Noun/Gender'' combination. Below the '''Word Type''' column with part of the selections already done.
<!--T:221-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_011.png|500px]]
<!--T:222-->
Once we have specified all the word types, we will first consider ''Adjectives'', adding '''Comparison Forms'''  to them. So let's move to the ''Adjectives'' lesson only.
<!--T:223-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_012.png|500px]]
<!--T:224-->
To show the '''Comparison Forms''' on the right hand side of the screen, select the '''View''' in the menu bar and activate the '''Comparison Forms''' checkbox.
<!--T:225-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_013.png|500px]]
<!--T:226-->
Edit the '''Comparison Forms''' by adding '''Comparative''' and '''Superlative''' to the single adjectives. First, click on the adjective for which you wish to add the comparison forms, in our case ''big'', and add ''bigger'' and ''biggest''. Then, continue with the next adjective to complete, until all comparison forms have been entered.
<!--T:227-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_014.png|500px]]
<!--T:228-->
Finally, let's consider the '''Conjugation''' form of the '''Verbs'''. Select the '''Verbs''' lesson and then activate the conjugation section on the right hand side by selecting '''View''' from the menu bar and activating '''Conjugation'''. As an example we edit the present tense ('''Präsens''') form of ''gehen''. Please first select '''Präsens''' from the drop down menu and then add the verb forms.
<!--T:229-->
[[File:Parley_trainer_eng-deu_0-9-4_015.png|500px]]
<!--T:230-->
This needs to be done for all verbs, and in all possible tenses.
<!--T:231-->
Once you are done you can start to practice by clicking on the [[Special:myLanguage/Parley/Manual#Vocabulary Practice|Practice]] button.
===New Collection: Single Names and Collective Names=== <!--T:232-->
<!--T:323-->
This exercise was created for the 3rd class of an Italian primary school. Pupils are supposed to connect single names with collective names, such as ''tree'' → ''woods''
<!--T:233-->
When you start Parley you get the start page, eventually also listing some previously used files (that you cannot see here).
<!--T:234-->
[[File:Parley_initial_screen_0-9-4.png|500px]]
<!--T:235-->
Click on '''Create a New Collection''' and the following screen with empty or partly filled fields will show up:
<!--T:236-->
[[File:Parley create new exercise collective names1.jpeg|500px]]
<!--T:237-->
Fill in the title, here '''nomi singoli e collettivi''', your name, e-mail address, in the '''Comment''' section you can write down a more detailed description, select your category and license. Then there we have something special: instead of indicating the first and second language, like it normally would happen, we added ''nome singolo'' (single name) and ''nome collettivo'' (collective name). '''Setup Grammar Details''' and '''Download Grammar''' are not needed here. In the screenshot they are still activated - please deactivate them by just clicking on the checkboxes. When you are done, please click on '''OK'''.
<!--T:238-->
The '''Properties''' page for ''nome singolo'' comes up and here you see it already with the necessary changes made:
<!--T:239-->
[[File:Parley create new exercise collective names4.jpeg|500px]]
<!--T:240-->
On the left hand side you can see where the data you are adding belongs to. ''nome singolo''. Choose the language, here ''Italian'' and insert ''nome singolo'' in the following editable field. Then click on '''OK'''.
<!--T:241-->
Now the '''Properties''' page for ''nome collettivo'' is shown:
<!--T:242-->
[[File:Parley create new exercise collective names5.jpeg|500px]]
<!--T:243-->
Like before: choose ''Italian'' as language and insert ''nome collettivo'' and click on '''OK'''.
<!--T:244-->
And now you can start to edit:
<!--T:245-->
[[File:Parley create new exercise collective names7.jpeg|500px]]
<!--T:246-->
Just insert the ''nome singolo'' (single name) in the first column and the corresponding ''nome collettivo'' (collective name) in the second column.
<!--T:247-->
[[File:Parley create new exercise collective names8.jpeg|500px]]
<!--T:248-->
If the number of available fields is not enough, just right-click anywhere on the edit section and choose '''Add New Entry'''. Don't forget to save your file every now and then. When you have finished adding all entries you will want to see if Practice mode works fine. Well just click on the '''Practice''' button right above the edit section and the page with the practice settings comes up:
<!--T:249-->
[[File:Parley create new exercise collective names10.jpeg|500px]]
<!--T:250-->
In this case '''Multiple Choice''' is a good option, but also '''Written''' will do fine. After choosing the Practice Mode just click on '''Start Practice''' and have fun.
== Getting Additional Collections == <!--T:251-->
<!--T:252-->
When you are on the '''Start Page''' you have the possibility to install Collections directly from the server, provided you are online. Just click on '''Download New Collections'''.
<!--T:253-->
[[File:Parley welcome screen.png|500px]]
<!--T:254-->
A window with many interesting collections opens. Just select what you find most interesting and click on '''Install'''. Then open the file to practice or edit.
<!--T:255-->
[[File:Parley get new stuff 0-9-4 001.png|500px]]
</translate><span id="Configure Parley"></span><translate>
== Configure Parley == <!--T:256-->
<!--T:324-->
You can configure the appearance of Parley from the '''Start Page''' or from within the '''Edit section'''. Select '''Settings''' from the menu bar and then '''Configure Parley'''.
<!--T:257-->
[[File:Parley configure parley 0-9-4 001.png|500px]]
=== Theme Tab === <!--T:258-->
<!--T:259-->
The configuration opens with the '''Theme''' section. This is the place where you can choose how Parley should greet you when launching it: an elegant '''Grey''' version, the all time busy '''Bees''' or the '''Fluffy Bunny''' for all those who love pink. Note that it could well be that '''Fluffy Bunny''' is not in your version: if you want it, read the following section.
<!--T:260-->
Once you selected your preferred theme, click on '''OK'''.
<!--T:261-->
Screenshots of the '''Bees''' and '''Fluffy Bunny''' themes:
<!--T:262-->
[[File:Parley practice bees.png|thumb|200px]]
[[File:Parley practice fluffy.png|thumb|200px]]
<!--T:263-->
And if these are not enough: you can click on '''Get New Themes''' to find more themes. Over time we hope that more and more themes come along. If you know how to create SVG graphics (for example with [https://inkscape.org/ Inkscape]), you can create your own theme and share it with the world.
<!--T:264-->
[[File:Parley configure parley 0-9-4 002.png|500px]]
<!--T:265-->
Additional themes can be found on [https://store.kde.org/browse/cat/357/order/latest/ store.kde.org]
=== General Tab === <!--T:266-->
<!--T:267-->
The '''General''' tab gives you some options regarding the behavior of Parley.
==== Open/Save options ==== <!--T:268-->
<!--T:269-->
'''Always load the last opened collection on start''' will immediately take you back to the vocabulary you were learning. Often you will use this together with the second option '''Save vocabularies automatically on close and quit''' because it's just handy not to have always answer the same question if changes (including learning results) should be changed or not. The option '''Create a backup every ... minutes''' can be very handy to help you save your work frequently. One less thing to think about.
<!--T:270-->
Sometimes the import and/or export of text (CSV) files can be very handy and there you need the proper separator to elaborate data afterwards or to be able to read the data you got from somewhere else. Parley allows you to choose among various separators to make sure you can re-use your data.
==== Editing option ==== <!--T:271-->
<!--T:325-->
Here you can determine whether Parley automatically appends new rows while you are editing your vocabulary collection. This can be useful if you want to add many entries, before then splitting them up into various lessons. On the other hand, it can be good to have this option off if you want to work by creating lessons with a set maximum number of entries.
<!--T:272-->
[[File:Parley configure parley 0-9-4 003.png|500px]]
=== View Tab === <!--T:273-->
<!--T:326-->
The '''View Settings''' allows you to change font and its size, very handy when you work on a netbook for example, and you can choose the '''Grade Colors''' you like best.
<!--T:274-->
[[File:Parley configure parley 0-9-4 004.png|500px]]
= Parley on Windows = <!--T:275-->
<!--T:327-->
It is possible to install Parley together with other [https://edu.kde.org Educational software] on Windows systems. For further info please visit [https://community.kde.org/Windows this page].
<!--T:338-->
The steps to be followed in short:
<!--T:339-->
Download the installer [https://windows.kde.org/download.php here].
<!--T:340-->
Then follow the installation procedure like for any other Windows software - screenshots are [https://www.winkde.org/pub/kde/ports/win32/installer/manual/ here].
<!--T:341-->
When you come to the '''Package selection screen''', select the language(s) you wish the software to be available in ''and'' the package - in this case '''kdeedu'''. If you don't select any language you will automatically get English.
<!--T:342-->
Then finish the installation process by clicking on '''Next''', following the coming screens just like you normally do with other Windows software.
<!--T:343-->
Please note that the Parley team does not deal with the Windows-Installer and therefore we cannot easily answer your questions. Should you have difficulties, please contact the KDE-Windows team directly. You can do so by subscribing to the mailing list [https://mail.kde.org/mailman/listinfo/kde-windows here] or join them on IRC at irc://freenode.net Channel: #kde-windows.
= Notes For Advanced Users = <!--T:276-->
== Using Parley for Exam Preparation == <!--T:277-->
<!--T:328-->
* what to bear in mind with long questions / answers?
* what to bear in mind with long questions / answers?
* how to start  with a new Exam
* how to start  with a new Exam
* example 1 with capitols
* example 1 with capitals
* example 2 with sentence  
* example 2 with sentence
 
 
== Upload and Share Collections == <!--T:278-->
 
<!--T:329-->
You can upload your files and share them with others.
Use the upload button from the file menu in the Editor within Parley.
 
<!--T:279-->
If that does not work, you can also visit [https://store.kde.org/browse/cat/216/order/latest/ store.kde.org].
In either case the files will show up in the '''Download New Collections''' dialog on the '''Start Page'''.


== More Advanced Crazy Stuff  ==
==File format == <!--T:280-->


File formats, Uploading files, Scripting
<!--T:330-->
If you are interested in the file formats that Parley can read and stores the vocabulary collections in, visit:
[[Special:myLanguage/Parley/FileFormats|Parley File Formats on userbase.kde.org]]


== How To's==
*[[Parley/Manual/How to study vocabulary in multiple choice mode|How to study vocabulary in multiple choice mode]]


== Scripting == <!--T:281-->




<!--T:283-->
[[Category:Desktop]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Home_and_Hobby]]
[[Category:Desktop]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Home_and_Hobby]]
</translate>

Latest revision as of 16:49, 12 November 2019

Home >> Applications >> Education >> Parley >> Parley Manual



Information

The information presented here covers Parley in the KDE Software Compilation 4.5.


This manual was written by Sabine Eller, Daniel Laidig and Frederik Gladhorn.


Copyright 2010 Sabine Eller, Daniel Laidig and Frederik Gladhorn

Introduction

Parley is a vocabulary trainer. It helps you to memorize your vocabulary, for example when you are trying to learn a foreign language. You can create your own vocabulary collections with the words you need or select from a great variety of available Vocabulary Collections. There you can find collections containing language vocabulary and also anatomy, music, geography, chemistry or exam preparation.

Parley is very flexible and uses the flash card learning approach. It automatically keeps track of your learning progress. With Parley you can arrange your vocabulary as you wish, you create your own lessons as needed. But unlike real flash cards you can use different learning methods with Parley.

Flashcards contain expressions on the front side and their translation on the back. You start with a pile of cards. If you know the translation on a card, you can put it into a second pile of cards. If you did not remember it, you keep it in the first one to try again later.

Parley's main focus is not to teach you grammar. However, there are some exercise forms which may help you in this matter.

Parley consists of two big parts: Vocabulary Practice and an Editor for Vocabulary Collections.

In this manual the term Vocabulary Collection refers to a file that contains lessons and the vocabulary in the lessons.

Both, the Editor and the Practice can be reached from the Start Page.

The Practice consists of three parts: first the Practice Setup where you choose what to practice. From there you start the actual Practice and when you are done, you get a Summary.


Tip

Like in all applications try to use the right-click if you explore features and functionality in Parley. The right-click displays a "context menu" that shows what you can do with your present situation. Try right-clicking lessons and words to find some options.


Start Page

When you first launch Parley the Start Page welcomes you. At first the Start Page is empty, once you opened some vocabulary collections, it shows you the ones you worked with most recently.


A vocabulary collection is a file that contains words and their translations into other languages or other pairs of words and sentences that you want to memorize. The words are organized in lessons.

To start practicing, click one of the vocabulary collections in the list. You are taken to the practice setup.

Note that a small Editor Icon appears to the right of the document name when you move the mouse over it. The Editor Icon lets you open the collection in the editor instead of practice mode. To edit a collection, click on the Editor Icon on its right hand side.

If you'd like to start your own collection of vocabulary, click on Create a New Collection.

You can also open a collection if you have it on your computer already but it's not in the list.

The last button on the Start Page offers you to download vocabulary collections made by others. When you've created a file that you'd like to share with others, you can easily upload it from the editor.

Parley comes with different themes, you can switch to a different graphical style in the settings. For further information, see Configure Parley.

Open an existing collection

Let's suppose your collection is already on your hard disk.

This is what the screen will look like the first time you start Parley:

Click on Open an Existing Collection.

In the file selection dialog, navigate to the directory containing the data file, and select it by clicking on it. Depending on your system the file either opens immediately, or you have to click OK


Now, the file is loaded, and you move on to the Practice Setup screen: see the following section for further details.

Vocabulary Practice

To start practicing you select a document after starting Parley. If you have it opened in the editor already, just click Practice in the toolbar.

Practice Setup

Before the actual practice starts, you always get to the Practice Setup page. There are three areas which allow you to choose what to practice:

  • The selection of languages
  • The selection of the practice mode
  • The selection of the lessons that also shows your current progress


On the left you can select the combination of languages you will practice. If you select for example English to French, you will be shown English words and Parley will ask you to enter the French translations.

Below the language selection you choose the practice mode. Practice Mode determines how the practice will ask you questions.

In the big part on the right, you see the lessons of the vocabulary collection. You can select which lessons you want to practice with the checkbox in front of the lesson name. The number of words that each lesson contains is shown next to its name. On the right of the name you see your current progress for the lesson.

Advanced Practice Configuration

The Advanced Practice Configuration allows you to specify more advanced settings that will affect the practice.

In the Practice Setup page you reach the Advanced Practice Configuration with the Configure Practice button in the toolbar. The button with the green icon.

Blocking

If you plan to practice your vocabulary regularly, you should make sure that the Blocking feature is enabled. The Blocking options are part of the Advanced Practice Configuration. There you go to the blocking page and tick the checkbox that says Blocking. Now you can even configure the interval in which words that you answered correctly will be repeated.

Blocking means that words will not be asked for some period of time after the last practice. This period of time depends on how well you know the word, so that words you don't know yet will be asked more frequently.

Thresholds

Thresholds are another way of limiting what you want to practice.


You can decide to practice only words that you know better or less well than some grade. Or you can select only words that you have practiced a certain number of times.

General Practice Settings

You can find several more configuration options for the practice in the advanced settings page.


The most important options are:

  • Ignore accent mistakes: with this option if you enter a word with e instead of é it will still count as right.
  • Ignore capitalization mistakes: this option allows you to ignore capitalization when you enter words.
  • Enable Images: if this is on, images will be displayed during the practice, if they are available.
  • Active entries during practice: how many words will be asked repeatedly, before adding a new word. That means, if you set it to a low number, words will show up again faster, while with a high setting, the distance before you see the same word again is higher.

Practice

Flash Cards

After having activated the Flash Card Practice Mode and having clicked on Start Practice the following screen shows up. The Flash Card training mode works just as if you would do it with "real" flash cards. You imagine the result and should you wish some help, you can click on Hint which will start to give you the result one letter at a time.

You can also decide to skip a word for now. When you click Answer Later the word will show up again at a later time.


Clicking on Continue reveals the solution. At this stage you then have to tell if you knew the answer. If you did not know it, click I did not know it. If you did remember the answer, click I knew it. This will take you to the next question.

On the left hand side bottom of the screen you have 7 boxes that show how good you know the vocabulary. These 7 boxes correspond to the blocking levels set under Blocking in the Advanced Practice Configuration

Tip

Instead of clicking Continue you can also use the Spacebar of your keyboard.



You can stop practicing anytime by clicking on Stop Practice.

Mixed Letters

Mixed Letters is a training method that provides you with an immediate help: all letters that are part of the solution are shown mixed up:


Should you wish some help, you can click on Hint which will give you the solution one letter at a time. Of course you can also decide to Answer Later by clicking on that button.

To give the answer type it in the blank field below the mixed letters and press the Enter key or Continue button.

If your answer was correct Parley will tell you so and you can press Enter again or click on Continue to go ahead with the next question.

Should you enter a wrong answer, you will be told to try again:


If you don't know the answer, just click on Continue a second time. Then the following comes up and you are shown the solution. Go ahead with Continue.


After the solution is revealed, you see a big icon on the right that indicates if your answer will count as right or wrong. You can overrule how your answer is counted. See Counting an Answer as Right.

Multiple Choice

Automatic selection of the possible answers

In Multiple Choice mode you are shown a number of potential answers, of which only one is correct. By clicking on Hint Parley excludes one of the wrong answers so that your choice gets more and more restricted with each further click on Hint. Of course you may also choose to Answer Later.


Once you made your choice by clicking on what you believe to be correct, Parley shows up with the screen below if the answer was right. Go ahead with the next question by clicking on Continue.


If your answer instead was wrong, the correct answer will be shown in green and the wrong one in red. Also here you go ahead by clicking on Continue.


After the solution is revealed, you see a big icon on the right that indicates if your answer will count as right or wrong. You can overrule how your answer is counted. See Counting an Answer as Right.

If you wish to stop practice, just click on the Stop Practice button.

With yes/no answers

Normally Parley automatically proposes one correct and several wrong answers in Multiple Choice mode. For some exercises instead you will have preset answers like yes/no or similar. And for these you have to configure the practice by clicking on Configure Practice.

Select the tab Advanced and you will get something very similar to the following screenshot:


If you have just two choices like yes/no in the section Multiple Choice set the Number of choices to 2.

Written

When you select the option Written to do your practice you are supposed to type in the solution. You can use the button Hint which will start to give you the result one letter at a time. Of course you can also decide to Answer Later by clicking on that button.


Once you have entered the solution, click on Continue and Parley will show whether your answer was correct. Go ahead by clicking on Continue again.


Should you give a wrong answer, you may try again several times to find the right answer. If you don't try again, and just click on Continue, the solution will be shown.


Go ahead practicing by clicking on Continue or stop by clicking on the button Stop Practice.

When the solution is revealed, you see a big icon on the right that indicates if your answer will count as right or wrong. You can overrule how your answer is counted. See Counting an Answer as Right.

Counting an Answer as Right

After the solution is revealed, you see a big icon on the right that indicates if your answer will count as right or wrong. If you see the big checkmark, Parley thinks you were right.



If you needed more than one attempt to answer correctly, your answer will be counted as wrong.



You can click the small icon next to the indicator to change how your answer is counted. The big symbol always indicates how the answer is counted.

Reset Practice to Initial State

You can reset all your practice scores (remove the grades) to the initial state. When being in edit mode select Edit from the menu bar and then Remove Grades.

Furthermore you can reset your grades for individual lessons from within the Practice Setup by right clicking on the lesson to reset and choose Remove Grades.

Summary After Practice

The summary shows up when you finish a learning session. In the big bar on the top it shows you how well you did.

Below is a table with all the words you practiced, together with the mistakes you made. The words with the most mistakes are on top so you can easily see what you do not know yet.

Grammar Practice Modes

With Parley you can also learn specific grammar structures, such as the gender of nouns, the comparison forms of adjectives and the conjugation of verbs. Let's look at some examples.

Articles and Gender of Nouns

Once the practice mode Gender of Nouns is activated, click on Start Practice.

In the case below we use German as language to learn and so you have three genders to choose from: masculine, feminine and neuter. By clicking on Hint one of the wrong answers gets excluded. Of course you can also decide to Answer Later by clicking on that button.

You should enter the articles for the language in the Editor to see the articles instead of the grammatical gender terms. Also note that this only works, if the gender of the words has been set up properly. See Word Types for more information how to change the word type to the right gender.


When you give the correct answer the following is shown and you go ahead practicing by clicking on Continue.


Should you give the wrong answer the following is shown and you go ahead practicing by clicking on Continue.


You can stop practicing anytime by clicking on Stop Practice.

Comparison Forms of Adjectives and Adverbs

On the Practice screen select Comparison Forms and then click on Start Practice to go ahead.

This only works when the conjugation forms of the word have been entered in the vocabulary collection. See Entering Comparison Forms.


The exercise requires you to enter the comparison forms for the term shown. In this case the translation of the English word old to German. The German language has three forms: absolute, comparative and superlative. To go on with the exercise just click on Continue.

Conjugations

To practice conjugations choose the Conjugations mode and the tenses you wish to exercise.

In the document the conjugation forms of the words have to be entered in order to allow this practice mode to work. See Entering Conjugation Forms.


Then click on Start Practice. You are required to enter the correct conjugation forms according to the tense shown. To go ahead click on Continue

Vocabulary Editing

Setup

Before you start using a vocabulary collection or create your own it is helpful to understand the different elements in Parley and configure them accordingly. The next sections will guide you step by step through this process. There are several locations in Parley for settings:

  • File→Properties This is the place for the "General Document Properties", meaning some information about your vocabulary collection and yourself.
  • Edit→Languages Find here settings around the languages you use
  • Practice→Configure Practice Here are settings how you practice your vocabulary. Depending on what you want to do during the specific learning session you change them on the fly.
  • Settings→Configure Parley For more general and display settings

About the Collection

Entering meta data like a title and your contact info is relevant if you plan to make your collection available for other people. Use File→Properties to edit the data.

Vocabulary Columns

Depending on what your learning sessions are going to be about it can be relevant to have further Vocabulary Columns show up in your edit section. To choose these columns select View from the Menu bar and then Vocabulary Columns. There you can determine if the columns for Pronunciation, Word Type, Synonym, Antonym, Example, Comment and/or Paraphrase are to be shown.

Languages and Grammar

Set up some grammar details to let Parley help you. Use Edit→Languages to pull up the grammar dialog.

Articles in English are simply the which is the definite article and a as indefinite article. Most other languages have more articles which can be filled in at the articles tab.

For conjugations the personal pronouns should be filled out. Most languages do not have different conjugation forms for he/she/it, in that case, you should not check Male/Female have different conjugations! Simply enter the pronouns for all three forms. Personal Pronouns in English:

Singular Plural
1st Person I we
2nd Person you you
3rd Person he/she/it they


Tenses: Depending on the language, you can enter the right tenses which you later want to learn how to conjugate. Examples are: Simple Present, Simple Past, Future I etc.

Btw. by clicking on the Add New Language button you can add an additional language to your collection.

Let's Have a Closer Look at Spanish

On the General tab the basic language settings, like here

  • Language = Spanish
  • Name = Spanish
  • Keyboard layout = de (for German)

You can leave Keyboard layout empty if you are not sure about what you are using. Parley will then simply take the standard layout of your computer.


Let's have a look at the Articles tab: Spanish knows only male and female nouns, therefore the field Neutral remains empty.


Spanish Personal Pronouns have multiple forms for 3rd person singular and 1st, 2nd and 3rd person plural. To remain consistent, the possibilities should be entered with a / between the two forms.


Under Tenses you will find the various tenses that are available for a verb form. You can add to the tenses that are already there by clicking on New, modify with Modify or in case something does not actually exist simply Delete the tense after having it selected.

Lessons

On the left you have a list of lessons. If you started a new collection, this list might be empty except for one lesson that was created by default for you.

If you cannot see the list of lessons, you might have to enable it in the View menu - View→Lessons.

The check boxes in front of the lesson name show which lessons are currently included in your practice. The number next to it is the number of words in the lesson.

New Lesson

Add a new lesson: Select where this lesson belongs to, for example the collection My Spanish Lessons.


In the Lesson menu, select New Lesson.


Please make sure to select the right point in the tree structure of lessons before selecting New Lesson. In our case, wanting a Sub-Lesson of Collection: My Spanish Lessons it is exactly that one that needs to be selected before going ahead with New Lesson.

Moving, Renaming and Deleting Lessons

To change the name of a lesson, double click it, or right click on the lesson and choose Rename. You can also delete it this way (but you'll lose its contents also then).

If you don't like the arrangement of lessons, you can move a lesson with the mouse. You can drag it onto another lesson, then it will become a child of that lesson.

Splitting a Lesson

If your lessons grow too big, you can choose to split them up to make learning easier in small units. 20 words for a lesson is probably a good size. Right click a lesson, or use Lesson→Split Lesson into Smaller Lessons and the lesson will be separated into child lessons. You can choose to randomize the words that are put into the new lessons before assigning them, or to keep them in order.

What is Shown in the Table

Parley shows always the words of the lesson that you have currently selected. You can enable to see the words in sub-lessons contained in this lesson also. Use Lesson→Show Entries from Child Lessons to enable this. That way, you can browse all words by selecting the document lesson at the very top.


Word Types

Parley lets you associate word types with the words. Word types are for example: Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives and Adverbs.

In order to work with word types, enable the word type tool: View→Word Types

You can categorize the word types just like lessons.

If you want to see all words of a certain type - e.g. all nouns, simply select the noun category, and you will see only nouns in the table.

The easiest way to set the word type, is to drag and drop a word onto its type. You can even do this with multiple words at the same time.

Words or Sentences

Adding New Vocabulary

Use Add New Entry in the toolbar to add new words. You can start typing the word in the first language right away. By default Parley lets you enter another word when you press Enter in the last row, so you don't have to keep using the Add button. After entering the first word, press Tab to go to the next language.

Editing Words

If you want to replace a word, select its entry and start typing. To change the word instead, double click the entry and you can change the contents of the cell without losing the old word.

Press Tab to go to the next word. Enter leaves the editing mode. You can use the arrow keys to move around.

Synonyms

Synonyms are hard to set up and do not always work really well. Here is how you set them up in any case:

  • Use View→Synonyms to see the synonyms tool.
  • Select first word (A) you want to make synonyms, then click on the second word (B)
  • The button in the synonym tool changes it's text to A and B are synonyms

The words will now be shown as connected in the synonym tool and can be recognized as synonyms in the practice.

Adding Images

First show the image tool by selecting View in the menu bar and then clicking on Image. The checkbox in front of Image will then be activated. This will show up the picture section on the right hand side of the Parley screen

To add an image to a word make sure the word is highlighted. In the image section on the right hand side click on the Folder icon and choose the picture you wish to associate.

Adding Sound

First show the sound tool by selecting View in the menu bar and then clicking on Sound. This will show up the sound section on the right hand side of the Parley screen.

To add a sound to a word make sure the word is highlighted. In the sound section on the right hand side click on the Folder icon and choose the sound you wish to associate.

Entering Comparison Forms

In order to enter comparison forms, make sure the comparison forms tool is enabled. You open it with the menu: View→Comparison Forms

First select a word that is an adjective or adverb.


Click the Adjective or Adverb button in the comparison forms tool.


Enter the comparison forms.


Now you can use the Comparison Forms Practice mode.

Entering Conjugation Forms

In order to enter conjugation forms, make sure the conjugation forms tool is enabled. You open it with the menu: View→Conjugation

First select a word that is a verb.


Click the ... is a Verb button in the conjugations tool.


After selecting the right tense in the tense selection box, enter the conjugation forms.

The tenses can be configured for each language: Languages and Grammar.

Now you can use the Conjugations Practice mode.

Creating New Files

In this section we will describe how to create new files and this not only with the usual vocabulary learning part, but also for grammar exercises, mathematics etc.

New Collection: Vocabulary English-German

In this section we describe how you can create a vocabulary training file including pictures and sound. In a second stage we will also add adjectives and verbs. This is a very complete example and therefore quite long. Eventually you will not need all points for your project.

Since we wish to add sound-files and pictures, we should make sure that these will all be in one folder which for convenience is being called eng-deu. Our data file we create with Parley will be saved in the same folder. This will help a lot when you decide to share your work with others.

So this is what we have in terms of sound files and pictures:


Let's start from the Start Page which is shown once you launch Parley:


Click on the button Create a New Collection.

The General Document Properties page shows up which is being filled as follows (just adapt to what your file is about):


Next click on OK. The following screen asks you to set up the language details. Here we don't want to change anything and therefore we just click on OK.

As a first step, let's create the vocabulary part. We will think about the addition of the sound files and pictures in a second stage. This is what the lesson looks like:


Before we do anything else, let's save the file to the folder with the pictures and sound-files. Click on the Save icon and select the folder using the navigation. In this example we will call the file Trainer eng-deu - once you entered the name just click on save.


If you now check your folder where the sound-files and pictures are, you will also find the file Trainer eng-deu.kvtml

Let's have a short look at the words we want to add: apple, bird, cat, cherry, cow, orange, pear, snake, strawberry. We have animals and fruit and therefore we decide to create two lessons that are called: Animals and Fruit.

We now rename Lesson 1 to Animals and then we add a lesson called Fruit. Right-click on Lesson 1 and choose Rename Lesson from the options shown. Now Lesson 1 is highlighted and you can simply overwrite it by typing in Animals. When done, hit the Enter key. Now right-click on Collection: Vocabulary trainer E... which is the root of the lesson tree and choose New Lesson from the options shown. In the new field write Fruit and hit the Enter key again.

First, let's insert the animals. Please click on the lesson Animals and you will get an empty table you can fill in. Click with your mouse in the first field, and insert the source terms. Then, insert the target terms in the second column. Once you've inserted all 4 English animal names with their German translation the screen looks like this:


In our case we want only 4 entries in the animals lesson. There are many empty lines that should be deleted. To do this click on the first empty field, and keep the Shift key pressed while clicking on the last empty field. All lines to be deleted will be highlighted. Then, press the Del key and confirm the question Do you really want to delete the selected entries? by clicking on the Delete button.

Let's add the fruit terminology. Just click on the lesson named Fruit. This second lesson is completely empty. Since we have five fruit terms we need to add five lines. Therefore, press the Ins key five times, and then, just like before, we add our terminology.

Don't forget to save every now and then ...

A click on the root of our lesson tree Collection: Vocabulary trainer E... and Parley will show us all entries that are present in the two lessons:


Time to add sound and images. First of all we need to activate the Image and Sound views. From the menu bar select View and there click on Image and then Sound. Once these options are activated, two new sections are shown on the right hand side of the Parley editing screen: Image and Sound.


Select the English word apple by clicking on it. It is highlighted, so let's add the picture. In the image section on the right hand side click on the Folder icon and choose the picture you wish to associate.

To add the pronunciation for the English apple, do the same in the Sound section, selecting the relevant sound file.

By clicking on the Play button in the sound tool you can listen to the pronunciation.

The screen will then look like this:


Then click on the German translation Apfel. The field is now highlighted to indicate the selection. You will note the picture with the apple is associated also to the German term. In the sound section select the pronunciation, just like before.


Just go ahead like this for all terms.

Time to add adjectives and verbs as lessons to our project. So just do as before with the lesson Fruit and create two new lessons: Adjectives and Verbs. Let's assume we will add big, small, old, young, narrow in the adjective lesson and to go, to come, to buy, to drink, to eat in the verb lesson.

The following shows a screenshot with all inserted terminology. Now, words are mixed and it would be nice to see what is a noun, adjective or verb.


As the next step we are going to show the Word Type. Select View in the menu bar and then select Vocabulary Columns. We activate Word Type for English and German by clicking on the checkbox in front of Word Type. Then click on OK to accept the changes.


By clicking on the fields in the column Word Type you can select the word type and for those languages where nouns have a gender you can also select the Noun/Gender combination. Below the Word Type column with part of the selections already done.


Once we have specified all the word types, we will first consider Adjectives, adding Comparison Forms to them. So let's move to the Adjectives lesson only.


To show the Comparison Forms on the right hand side of the screen, select the View in the menu bar and activate the Comparison Forms checkbox.


Edit the Comparison Forms by adding Comparative and Superlative to the single adjectives. First, click on the adjective for which you wish to add the comparison forms, in our case big, and add bigger and biggest. Then, continue with the next adjective to complete, until all comparison forms have been entered.


Finally, let's consider the Conjugation form of the Verbs. Select the Verbs lesson and then activate the conjugation section on the right hand side by selecting View from the menu bar and activating Conjugation. As an example we edit the present tense (Präsens) form of gehen. Please first select Präsens from the drop down menu and then add the verb forms.


This needs to be done for all verbs, and in all possible tenses.

Once you are done you can start to practice by clicking on the Practice button.

New Collection: Single Names and Collective Names

This exercise was created for the 3rd class of an Italian primary school. Pupils are supposed to connect single names with collective names, such as treewoods

When you start Parley you get the start page, eventually also listing some previously used files (that you cannot see here).


Click on Create a New Collection and the following screen with empty or partly filled fields will show up:


Fill in the title, here nomi singoli e collettivi, your name, e-mail address, in the Comment section you can write down a more detailed description, select your category and license. Then there we have something special: instead of indicating the first and second language, like it normally would happen, we added nome singolo (single name) and nome collettivo (collective name). Setup Grammar Details and Download Grammar are not needed here. In the screenshot they are still activated - please deactivate them by just clicking on the checkboxes. When you are done, please click on OK.

The Properties page for nome singolo comes up and here you see it already with the necessary changes made:


On the left hand side you can see where the data you are adding belongs to. nome singolo. Choose the language, here Italian and insert nome singolo in the following editable field. Then click on OK.

Now the Properties page for nome collettivo is shown:


Like before: choose Italian as language and insert nome collettivo and click on OK.

And now you can start to edit:


Just insert the nome singolo (single name) in the first column and the corresponding nome collettivo (collective name) in the second column.


If the number of available fields is not enough, just right-click anywhere on the edit section and choose Add New Entry. Don't forget to save your file every now and then. When you have finished adding all entries you will want to see if Practice mode works fine. Well just click on the Practice button right above the edit section and the page with the practice settings comes up:


In this case Multiple Choice is a good option, but also Written will do fine. After choosing the Practice Mode just click on Start Practice and have fun.

Getting Additional Collections

When you are on the Start Page you have the possibility to install Collections directly from the server, provided you are online. Just click on Download New Collections.


A window with many interesting collections opens. Just select what you find most interesting and click on Install. Then open the file to practice or edit.

Configure Parley

You can configure the appearance of Parley from the Start Page or from within the Edit section. Select Settings from the menu bar and then Configure Parley.

Theme Tab

The configuration opens with the Theme section. This is the place where you can choose how Parley should greet you when launching it: an elegant Grey version, the all time busy Bees or the Fluffy Bunny for all those who love pink. Note that it could well be that Fluffy Bunny is not in your version: if you want it, read the following section.

Once you selected your preferred theme, click on OK.

Screenshots of the Bees and Fluffy Bunny themes:


And if these are not enough: you can click on Get New Themes to find more themes. Over time we hope that more and more themes come along. If you know how to create SVG graphics (for example with Inkscape), you can create your own theme and share it with the world.


Additional themes can be found on store.kde.org

General Tab

The General tab gives you some options regarding the behavior of Parley.

Open/Save options

Always load the last opened collection on start will immediately take you back to the vocabulary you were learning. Often you will use this together with the second option Save vocabularies automatically on close and quit because it's just handy not to have always answer the same question if changes (including learning results) should be changed or not. The option Create a backup every ... minutes can be very handy to help you save your work frequently. One less thing to think about.

Sometimes the import and/or export of text (CSV) files can be very handy and there you need the proper separator to elaborate data afterwards or to be able to read the data you got from somewhere else. Parley allows you to choose among various separators to make sure you can re-use your data.

Editing option

Here you can determine whether Parley automatically appends new rows while you are editing your vocabulary collection. This can be useful if you want to add many entries, before then splitting them up into various lessons. On the other hand, it can be good to have this option off if you want to work by creating lessons with a set maximum number of entries.

View Tab

The View Settings allows you to change font and its size, very handy when you work on a netbook for example, and you can choose the Grade Colors you like best.

Parley on Windows

It is possible to install Parley together with other Educational software on Windows systems. For further info please visit this page.

The steps to be followed in short:

Download the installer here.

Then follow the installation procedure like for any other Windows software - screenshots are here.

When you come to the Package selection screen, select the language(s) you wish the software to be available in and the package - in this case kdeedu. If you don't select any language you will automatically get English.

Then finish the installation process by clicking on Next, following the coming screens just like you normally do with other Windows software.

Please note that the Parley team does not deal with the Windows-Installer and therefore we cannot easily answer your questions. Should you have difficulties, please contact the KDE-Windows team directly. You can do so by subscribing to the mailing list here or join them on IRC at irc://freenode.net Channel: #kde-windows.

Notes For Advanced Users

Using Parley for Exam Preparation

  • what to bear in mind with long questions / answers?
  • how to start with a new Exam
  • example 1 with capitals
  • example 2 with sentence


Upload and Share Collections

You can upload your files and share them with others. Use the upload button from the file menu in the Editor within Parley.

If that does not work, you can also visit store.kde.org. In either case the files will show up in the Download New Collections dialog on the Start Page.

File format

If you are interested in the file formats that Parley can read and stores the vocabulary collections in, visit: Parley File Formats on userbase.kde.org


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