Voice Input/Output Speech Technologies for German Language Learning

Abstract

for reading and writing, with the introduction of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). While the effectiveness of CAI in terms of motivation and achievement is fairly well documented by now,' so far it has not involved the other two aspects of language learning-speaking and listening. To recognize speech, computers need special devices to be able to analyze a student's spoken words, or voice input. Speech recognition devices use a computerized process that analyzes sounds and stores them as patterns of electronic signals, so-called templates, in the computer's memory. When the computer can match the template with the pattern of a student's vocal input through a microphone, speech recognition occurs. Until recently, however, the cost of speech recognition systems, with prices ranging to over $65,000, made their use in CAI prohibitively expensive.2 During the last few years, however, a number of less expensive systems have become commercially available,3 and thus more accessible for use in secondary schools and colleges. At the 1982 National Educational Computer Conference (NECC), for example, Scott Instruments introduced a recognition system for under $1,000 which the company lists now at $895. This voice-based learning system (VBLS? ) expands CAI in a limited but effective way into the area of speaking and listening.4