Ad-hoc.com project aims at the development of an innovative advanced multimedia language learning tool for European travellers who on location are willing to acquire certain language skills, in order to communicate with locals in the country of their destination. The Ad-hoc.com tool will be an educational platform, which will include two main applications, a web based application for on-line learning, which will make full use of multimedia tools and a WAP application for location independent learning for travellers.

Ad-hoc.com project’s innovative application of ICT allows travellers (for business, leisure or educational purposes) to access the web through the advanced new communication applications (WAP - Wireless Application Protocol and GPRS - General Packet Radio Services). These new applications allow for fast transfer of data (text, sound, picture and video) through the mobile device (phone, palmtokop) of the user. The tool will serve users regardless of time and location. An on-line manual, acting as an on-line tutor, will be developed also in order to support the self-directed ad-hoc learning.

The tool aims to present linguistic content embedded in its cultural context furthering the understanding of European’s cultural and multilingual diversity. It is proven that the mutual understanding in the communication process depends not only on linguistic competence but also on the awareness and perception of cultural behaviour, cultural differences and similarities. Language is integral to our culture. The English language as Lingua Franca for urgent and important service and business situations is insufficient to create good contact and atmosphere in comparison to the use of the mother tongue of the target partner. Furthermore the dominance of a few languages reduces significantly the number of people who can participate effectively in any activity in a less spoken language and this is bound to exclude valuable contributions and lead to discontent.

Only the need and wish to communicate in a foreign country, motivates individuals to learn a language or at least acquire specific limited language skills, but usually in travel situations no learning tool is available and back home often lack of time and appropriate learning material absents individuals from language studies. Increasing mobility of individuals, either for business, training or educational purposes, indicates the need for innovative, flexible, fast retrievable and user-friendly language learning tools, catering the needs of the modern «mobile» European, who does not have the time or intention for in-depth involvement and requires an immediate limited information.

The project will last two years. The initial language content will be in the languages Greek, Italian, German English. The open architecture of the web tool will offer the option for input of additional languages.