Article

A Web-Based High Variability Phonetic Training Application for French Vowels

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Abstract

Over the past decades, a large number of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of High Variability Phonetic Training (HVPT) on the development of second language (L2) speech perception and production (e.g., Barriuso & Hayes-Harb, 2018; Lively, Pisoni, Yamada, Tohkura, & Yamada, 1994). To date though, almost all studies have focused on L2 English and have been conducted in lab-settings, thus limiting the number of learners who can benefit from this pedagogical approach. Yet, web-based programs, such as English Accent Coach (Thomson, 2012), offer a great potential to easily integrate variability in perception training. In this paper, I will report on the development of a free web-based HVPT application targeting the development of French vowels. Ouïe (French for “hearing”; https://ouie.org/) consists of two modes: 1) a “familiarisation” mode that familiarizes learners with International Phonetic Alphabet symbols (with audio examples) and basic phonetic explanations regarding place and manner of articulation, and 2) a training “entraînement” mode. In the training mode, tokens are (currently) produced by five voices and target the 10 oral vowels /i-e-ɛ-a-y-ø-œ-u-o-ɔ/ and the three nasal vowels /ɔ̃-ɑ̃-ɛ̃/ in a variety of phonetic contexts. Learners can choose sessions of 20 or 40 words, with each trial followed by immediate feedback.

How to Cite: Inceoglu, S. (2022). A web-based high variability phonetic training application for French vowels. In J. Levis & A.Guskaroska (eds.), Proceedings of the 12th Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Conference, held June 2021 virtually at Brock University, St. Catharines, ON. https://doi.org/10.31274/psllt.13336