ECO Introduction to Unity
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Introduction to Unity
Unity is meant to be a growing and expanding system of language representation. Each
program is related to the others. There is more than one level of Unity, but all the levels
use the same group of category and grammar icons to represent the same concepts.
What makes Unity unique?
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Multi-meaning icons
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Constant access to core vocabulary
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Fringe vocabulary available in activity rows
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Minimal use of pages for communication
Unity is a word-based system instead of a message-based system. Communication grows
as people learn to use words to generate spontaneous, novel utterances without having to
spell out every letter of every word.
Unity is a language system that is based on the use of core vocabulary, that is, words that
are used with high frequency across age groups and situations.
When core vocabulary has stable locations, the need for navigation is minimized, thus
speeding up the rate of communication.
The following examples of Unity patterns are taken from ECO Unity 60. After you learn
the patterns, you may apply them to other versions of Unity. You will find that
memorizing a pattern helps you learn new words without having to memorize individual
sequences. We will begin with Unity 60 Single Hit.
Unity 60 1- Hit is for early language learners who may say just one word. That is why
the core vocabulary includes many verbs. Verbs are powerful words that cause things to
happen and can be useful in many situations. Words like “help, come, go, eat, and drink”
give the early communicator power. Combining these power words with the extended
vocabulary in dynamic activity rows gives quick access to frequently used phrases. Then
the beginning language learner goes from using one word at a time to using two and three
word phrases.
