Sõnar, which is derived from sõna, the Estonian for "word", is like an online style guide or grammar manual but operates a little differently. It is structured based on the particular orthographic problem facing the user. 

University of Tartu Estonian didactics professor Martin Ehala says he hopes Sõnar will become just as ubiquitous in the teaching of Estonian as a pocket calculator is to math.

The application uses a diagnostic tool similar to online troubleshooting utilities, narrowing down the possibilities by asking the user questions. It also avoids obscure grammatical terms in favor of ordinary language.

Set to be demoed on March 11, Sõnar will be available for iPhone and Android platforms with Symbian and Java versions on the way.

Kristopher Rikken