Sidgi, Lina Fathi Sidig and Shaari, Ahmad Jelani (2017) The usefulness of automatic speech recognition (ASR) Eyespeak Software in improving Iraqi EFL students’ pronunciation. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 8 (1). pp. 221-226. ISSN 2203-4714

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Abstract

The present study focuses on determining whether automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology is reliable for improving English pronunciation to Iraqi EFL students. Non-native learners of English are generally concerned about improving their pronunciation skills, and Iraqi students face difficulties in pronouncing English sounds that are not found in their native language (Arabic). This study is concerned with ASR and its effectiveness in overcoming this difficulty.The data were obtained from twenty participants randomly selected from first-year college students at Al-Turath University College from the Department of English in Baghdad-Iraq.The students had participated in a two month pronunciation instruction course using ASR Eyespeak software. At the end of the pronunciation instruction course using ASR Eyespeak software, the students completed a questionnaire to get their opinions about the usefulness of the ASR Eyespeak in improving their pronunciation. The findings of the study revealed that the students found ASR Eyespeak software very useful in improving their pronunciation and helping them realise their pronunciation mistakes.They also reported that learning pronunciation with ASR Eyespeak enjoyable.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	automatic speech recognition, ASR, pronunciation instruction, English as a foreign language, EFL
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PE English Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Computer software
Divisions:	School of Education & Modern Languages
Depositing User:	Prof. Madya Dr. Ahmad Jelani Shaari
Date Deposited:	12 Jun 2017 01:24
Last Modified:	12 Jun 2017 01:24
URI:	https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/22387

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