2003 Education Award Laureate
Brij Kothari
| Laureate Country: India |
| Website: http://sls4literacy.tripod.com |
| Video: 2003Videos/brij_kothari.mov |
Project Description:
Brij Kothari adapted Same Language Subtitling (SLS) for television broadcasts of music and songs to increase exposure to print and thus enhance the literacy skills of millions of viewers. SLS is effective in making reading a way of life for millions, incredibly inexpensive, sustainable on a lifelong basis, and applicable in any context/country where literacy skill levels are low and people enjoy music videos.
Problem Addressed:
In India, poor literacy is at the heart of slow progress in the areas of human development, such as, infant and maternal health, reproductive choice, nutrition, empowerment options, and poverty alleviation.
Technology Solution:
Same Language Subtitling uses the universal passion for music and tremendous interest in knowing song lyrics to increase literacy in India. Subtitling is color-coded and synchronized with the music so that the visible lyrics coincide perfectly with the music. This system is in use in India with programs in the major languages, and work continues towards creating a digital jukebox of recorded programs available over the Internet.
