So much goes into the creation of an app: The idea, creating a workable app spec, design, UX and of course sound. In the case of Xander the voices we use are crucial to the overall experience of the app. Here at Xander we believe that using a first language speaker makes all the difference to the slight nuances in pronunciation and understanding. We’d like to introduce you to the amazing kids who have shared their voices with Xander and all of you in our 3 part, Meet the Voices series. First up, let’s meet the original voices of the first few Xander apps.
Lara Volschenk
Apps recorded
All Xander Afrikaans Apps (Excluding Xander Afrikaans Spel apps)
Tell us about yourself (Your name, how old you are, what school you go to)
I’m Lara Volschenk, I’m 12 years old, and I go to Laerskool Stellenbosch. I love to write fantasy stories quite a lot. I haven’t published any, but I hope to one day when I’m older. I like reading, mostly English books.
Did you like recording for the Xander apps and why?
Yes, because it’s fun to think that my Mom worked there, so I felt as if I was working there, too. Plus, I get paid most of the time!
What’s your favourite app or game to play?
Word Search, I like it a LOT!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Probably something to do with writing, maybe even copywriting. Something in that direction.
What is your favourite bedtime story?
The BFG by Roald Dahl, The Gruffalo, and Guess How Much I Love You.
Juliet Knott-Craig
Apps recorded:
All Xander English Apps.
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Juliet, I’m 8 years old and in Grade 2. I was 6 and in Grade R when we first started recording. I couldn’t read then so we drew pictures of the shapes and colours, but now I can read so it’s easier.
Did you like recording for the Xander apps and why?
I did, a little bit. But it was also a little bit scary, the microphone is very big and the sound engineer has lots of buttons that he pushes. When I get it wrong I have to redo it over and over again. I got R100 ice cream gift vouchers, which I like a lot.
What’s your favourite app or game to play?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A singer / rock star. Music is my favourite class.
What is your favourite bedtime story?
Famous Five.
Sisipho Ndlebe
Apps recorded:
Xander Xhosa 123, Shapes & Colours and Wardrobe.
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Sisipho Ndlebe. I’m 8 years old and go to Springfield Convent in Cape Town.
Did you enjoy recording for the Xander apps and why?
Yes, I loved recording because I’ve never done that before. My mom is the high school Xhosa teacher at my school so it was fun recording in her classroom.
What is your favourite app or game to play?
At home I have a tablet that I can play games on. It’s not an iPad but I’m not sure what it’s called. I like to play drawing and maths games.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
When I’m older I want to be a doctor so I can help people.
What is your favourite bedtime story?
My favourite bedtime story is the one that my mom tells me. It’s about Little Red Riding Hood but my mom changes it every time she tells it to me. It’s so funny cause last time the grandmother turned out to be a superhero.
Aneth Amin
Apps recorded:
All Xander Swahili Apps.
Unfortunately Aneth was unable to chat to us.
Leave a comment about your favorite Xander voice on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Next time we’ll introduce you to the next generation of voices who’ve recorded new languages for Xander.
