ERIC Number: EJ1137823
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Apr
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2203-4714
EISSN: N/A
The Effect of Automatic Speech Recognition Eyespeak Software on Iraqi Students' English Pronunciation: A Pilot Study
Sidgi, Lina Fathi Sidig; Shaari, Ahmad Jelani
Advances in Language and Literary Studies, v8 n2 p48-54 Apr 2017
The use of technology, such as computer-assisted language learning (CALL), is used in teaching and learning in the foreign language classrooms where it is most needed. One promising emerging technology that supports language learning is automatic speech recognition (ASR). Integrating such technology, especially in the instruction of pronunciation in the classroom, is important in helping students to achieve correct pronunciation. In Iraq, English is a foreign language, and it is not surprising that learners commit many pronunciation mistakes. One factor contributing to these mistakes is the difference between the Arabic and English phonetic systems. Thus, the sound transformation from the mother tongue (Arabic) to the target language (English) is one barrier for Arab learners. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of using automatic speech recognition ASR EyeSpeak software in improving the pronunciation of Iraqi learners of English. An experimental research project with a pretest-posttest design is conducted over a one-month period in the Department of English at Al-Turath University College in Baghdad, Iraq. The ten participants are randomly selected first-year college students enrolled in a pronunciation class that uses traditional teaching methods and ASR EyeSpeak software. The findings show that using EyeSpeak software leads to a significant improvement in the students' English pronunciation, evident from the test scores they achieve after using EyeSpeak software.
Descriptors: Computer Assisted Instruction, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Pronunciation Instruction, Computer Software, Semitic Languages, Phonetics, Contrastive Linguistics, Pretests Posttests, Foreign Countries, Teaching Methods, College Students, Instructional Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Iraq
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A