Ambiguous Utterance Aware: Communication Learning System for Pragmatic Language Disorders Using a Humanoid Robot

In this research, we developed a communication learning support system to learn the appropriate dialogue method for communicating with people who have pragmatic language disorders. People with such disorders tend to have problems with interpersonal relationships because they cannot understand the meaning of ambiguous utterances. As a solution to this problem, we developed a communication learning support system that learns whichever dialogue method is easiest to convey to people with pragmatic language disorders, targeting typical development. Our learning support system features a humanoid robot that mimics people with pragmatic language disorders and allows the user to experience the dialogue with such a person, and the user is able to learn how to communicate with such a person while seeking actively transmitted utterances. Experimental results showed that the learning effect was stronger than when using the text-based approach. It was more enjoyable as well. Therefore, this communication learning support system shows excellent potential as a means of learning.