Patent US 6,009,397

A method and apparatus which allows a user to specify phonemes and the relative positions of the phonemes with respect a word or a group of words, such as at title. Phonemic indicators representing phonemes are provided, and selection of the indicators is allowed. When a phoneme is selected, its position with respect to a word or group of words is determined. According to one aspect of the invention, the phonemes are either initial phonemes or final phonemes, i.e., phonemes which are identifiable by young children. According to another aspect of the invention, the indicators are provided in a manner understandable to an individual who cannot read, such as a young child. According to another aspect of the invention, the phonemic indicators further indicate positional information, in which case both the phoneine and its position are selected when the indicator is selected. According to another aspect of the invention, the selection process itself forms associations between the phonemes and their respective positions. According to another aspect of the invention, the selection may be received using electronic input means, such as a computer selection device, a remote control device, or from a computer network. According to another aspect of the invention, the word or group of words represent information corresponding to dictionary entries, encyclopedia entries, reference material, educaltional topics, database entries, games, merchandise or television programs.