This paper describes the development and user concept evaluation of a Computer-Based Language Training Program in Somali titled "Humanitarian Expedient Language Pronunciation Simulation" or HELPS. The HELPS Concept Demonstration Project was designed to provide expedient language training to Marines involved in humanitarian relief duties in Somalia during Operation "Restore Hope". The HELPS project was a joint cooperative effort by the Institute for Simulation and Training (IST) at the University of Central Florida, who donated the software program without cost to the Marine Corps, Apple Computer, Inc. who loaned the 10 Macintosh® PowerBook™ computers to the Marine Corps for the duration of the project, and the Marines of all ranks in 1 MEF who evaluated the HELPS Concept Demonstration Project in Somalia.

The analysis, design, and development steps of the HELPS project are outlined. These steps allowed the rapid prototyping and delivery of HELPS to Marines deployed in Somalia in seven weeks from concept to delivery. The results of the user evaluation in Somalia is analyzed and presented.

This paper has several objectives. The first is to describe the analysis, design, and development of the HELPS project. The second is to describe the unique human-computer interface issues involved in the design of the HELPS. The third is to present the results of the user evaluation and acceptance of an expedient language training system. The fourth is to demonstrate and summarize the implications of a capability to bridge the language barrier in computer-based language training.