Towards the development of a comprehensive pedagogical framework for pronunciation training based on adapted automatic speech recognition systems

Abstract

This paper reports on the early stages of a locally funded research and development project taking place at Rennes 2 university. It aims at developing a comprehensive pedagogical framework for pronunciation training for adult learners of English. This framework will combine a direct approach to pronunciation training (face-to-face teaching) with online instruction using and adapting existing Automatic Speech Recognition systems (ASR). The sample of learners chosen for the study are university students majoring in Arts, Literature or Communication at graduate and undergraduate level. These students might show an advanced mastery of grammar and syntax, but their spoken English remains heavily accented and may hinder effective communication. A considerable body of research has already investigated the efficacy of ASR systems for pronunciation training. This paper takes stock of how Computer Assisted Pronunciation Training (CAPT) software has been used and developed so far and looks at further potential improvements to address bad pronunciation habits among French learners of English.