Recording Phrases — Phrase Challenge
The 2-Lot System — Essential to Understand
Phrase cards have a special structure: each card contains 4 positions spread across 2 lots. You only record the positions in the African language (positions 1 and 4).
Complete Structure of a Phrase Card
| Position | Lot | Content | Your Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Position 1 | Lot 1 | Question in the African language | ✅ To record |
| Position 2 | Lot 1 | Answer in French | ❌ No recording |
| Position 3 | Lot 2 | Question in French | ❌ No recording |
| Position 4 | Lot 2 | Answer in the African language | ✅ To record |
Example (Pular)
| Position | Text | Do you record? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noy def? (Question: How are you?) | ✅ |
| 2 | Jaamm rek (French answer: Just fine) | ❌ |
| 3 | How are you? (French question) | ❌ |
| 4 | Jaamm rek (Answer in the African language) | ✅ |
What You See in the PHRASES Tab
The interface groups items by card. For each card, you see: - Lot 1 → Position 1 (Question in the African language) → Record button - Lot 2 → Position 4 (Answer in the African language) → Record button
Positions 2 and 3 do not appear in your interface — you do not need to manage them.
Recording Procedure for Phrases
The procedure is identical to that for words (see Recording words):
- Click 🎤 "Record" on the desired position (1 or 4)
- The modal opens with the phrase to pronounce in large font
- Allow microphone access (first time)
- Click "Start" → pronounce the phrase → "Stop"
- Listen → validate or redo
- Click "Submit"
Tips Specific to Phrases
Position 1 — Question in the African Language
- Pronounce with an interrogative intonation (rising at the end of the phrase)
- Natural pace, as if speaking to someone
- Typical duration: 2–5 seconds depending on the length of the phrase
Position 4 — Answer in the African Language
- Pronounce with an affirmative intonation (falling)
- Slightly slower pace than the question (clear answer)
- Typical duration: 2–5 seconds
Consistency per Card
Ideally, record both positions of the same card (1 and 4) in succession: - The sonic environment is identical (same microphone, same room) - The intonation is consistent between question and answer - This makes sequential listening verification easier
Verification by Sequential Listening
After recording both positions of a card, listen to them in order: 1. Click 🔊 "Listen" for Position 1 2. Then 🔊 "Listen" for Position 4 3. Verify that the dialogue "sounds natural" — like a real conversation 4. If either one is unsatisfactory, click ✏️ "Re-record"
Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Impact | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Recording positions 2 or 3 | These do not exist in your interface — impossible | — |
| Reading the French translation text | The learner will hear French | Read only the text in the large font (African language) |
| Hesitations at the start of recording | The player hears "uh…" before the word | Read the text before clicking "Start" |
| Inconsistent volume between position 1 and 4 | Inconsistent sonic experience | Maintain the same distance from the microphone |
Progress in the PHRASES Tab
The progress bar in the PHRASES tab counts the number of positions 1 and 4 recorded out of the total positions 1 and 4 to record.
Example: if you have 40 phrase cards, you need to record 40 × 2 = 80 positions in total.