Los Angeles-based Alelo, which develops computer software that uses video games to teach language and culture training for Iraqi and other languages, reported late Friday that it has received a contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for a handheld training system. Alelo said that the contract covers a system for teaching foreign language and culture which runs on iPhone and iPod devices. The system--called Uku--is being used by the Marines for supplementing the firm's Dari and Pashto language learning systems. Alelo's software--spun out of USC--uses first-person-shooter style video game engines to train users in both language and cultural nuances. The contract came from the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM).