Presentation

Extracting Minimal Pairs Automatically With Word Frequency and Phonetic Environment Controlled: Introducing a Program Written in Perl

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Abstract

A computer program that automates minimal-pair selection was developed using Perl. With variables such as L1 background, word frequency and syllable environment controlled, the system can identify, select, and extract minimal pairs automatically from the Illinois Speech and Language Engineering Dictionary. The minimal-pair selection follows Swan and Smith’s (2001) phonology guide. This guide was chosen as the theoretical framework because it values learner-centeredness and recognizes that students speaking different mother tongues struggle with distinct pronunciation errors. With the program, different minimal pairs are respectively generated for English learners from 22 different native language groups. Minimal pairs can also be easily generated for additional learner groups by the program if error lists for their native languages similar to those in Swan and Smith (2001) are input. This paper describes the workings of the program and reviews the program’s affordances and limitations in reference to its pedagogical and research implications. Directions for future development are also discussed.

How to Cite:

Qian, M., (2014) “Extracting Minimal Pairs Automatically With Word Frequency and Phonetic Environment Controlled: Introducing a Program Written in Perl”, Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Proceedings 6(1).