Zyzzyva: The Last Word in Word Study

Word Study Audio Files

Here are some audio files (mp3 format) I have created for word study. The files on this site are based on the OWL2 word list. Each mp3 file itself contains an alphagram, followed by the number of words that can be formed from the alphagram, followed by the words themselves, both spoken and spelled. The name of each file is the alphagram itself.

For example, the file EILORST.mp3 sounds like this:

"E-I-L-O-R-S-T ... pause ... three ... pause ... ESTRIOL, E-S-T-R-I-O-L ... pause ... LOITERS, L-O-I-T-E-R-S ... pause ... TOILERS, T-O-I-L-E-R-S."

Here are a few samples, to help you see if you're interested in trying these out. If you are interested, follow the links below to go to the download pages.

• ADEEGNR
• ADEI
• AVYYZZZ
• EILORST
• ORUVW

Here are the pages where you will be able to download audio files for OWL2. Feel free to download the collections you would like! The total download size for all collections is approximately 1.4 GB, and each individual collection is approximately 20-50 MB in size.

• OWL2 download page

I've found that these files are great for studying while driving, so you don't have to look away from the road. In fact, I don't listen to much music on the go, but I went out and bought an iPod specifically so I could hook it up to my car stereo and study words on the daily commute.

In case you're curious about how these files were created, they were generated automatically using a text-to-speech synthesizer called Festival. Some of the word pronunciations can be a little off (even hilarious at times), but overall I'm quite amazed at the quality of the pronunciation.

Buy Zyzzyva Stuff!

You can buy Zyzzyva T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and more at the Zyzzyva Online Store. For every item you buy, a percentage goes to me to help continue Zyzzyva development. It's a great way to get some classy Zyzzyva gear while helping out the project at the same time!

*** SALE! ***

I have some items left over from the Zyzzyva fundraiser, and I'm selling them here. While supplies last, you can buy T-shirts directly from me cheaper than you can buy them at the CafePress store linked above. You can buy tile sets and lapel pins cheaply, too.

If you find Zyzzyva useful, I would be very happy to receive a donation via PayPal, which you can do by clicking the button below. Thank you for your support!

This web site was designed and written by Michael Thelen. All markup code and text on this web site are Copyright © 2004-2012 Michael Thelen. All rights reserved.