Presentation

Self-Correction of Second-Language Pronunciation via Online, Real-Time, Visual Feedback

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Abstract

We have built a set of web-based tools that take learning far beyond the classroom for L2 pronunciation students. Among these is a user-friendly site where students record themselves and can instantaneously compare their own voiceprint to that of a native speaker. Students continue to practice specific sounds until their production “looks” like their native target. For each sound, the system displays native and non-native speech samples (i.e., clickable sound files) alongside spectrographic representations. A column to the left orients the user on how to interpret the spectrograms to analyze the sound. The interface enables students to produce live-generated spectrograms, re-recording until their productions both sound and look like the native output. Recordings are automatically submitted to the instructor for effortless monitoring of students’ progress. This interface was originally developed for Spanish and has been extended to English and Quechua. The response from Spanish students is overwhelmingly positive, many citing that “seeing” their pronunciation allowed them to internalize the steps necessary to make improvements as never before. They report increased satisfaction at being able to work on their pronunciation outside of class and receive the necessary feedback to assure that they are pronouncing correctly, even without a language expert present.

How to Cite:

Garcia, C., Kolat, M. & Morgan, T. A., (2017) “Self-Correction of Second-Language Pronunciation via Online, Real-Time, Visual Feedback”, Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Proceedings 9(1).