Pronunciation Skills Research Articles

Evaluating English Teachers’ Pronunciation Skills (E-TPS) Using Praat Technology and Human Raters

When the goals in teaching pronunciation are that students attain “near-native” and “socially acceptable” pronunciation, and are assessed with a valid and reliable instrument using the Praat device and human interpretation raters, a new way to assess pronunciation skills is needed. This article proposes such a new way. Through suprasegmental identity (rhythm), English teachers’ pronunciation skill (E-TPS) will be correctly assessed. Using Praat as a device and human raters for interpretation to assess E-TPS stands on several premises. First, the measures of pronunciation constructs should be valid and reliable. Second, the role of raters in English pronunciation assessment presents unique challenges in drawing valid inferences from performance, in scoring assignments, in making decisions for which a pronunciation assessment was intended, to the pedagogical and social consequences beyond, and to connect concerns in giving judgments. Third, the raters should have familiarity with both accent and content. Fourth, a suprasegmental (stress, rhythm, and intonation) approach is an important complement to segmental teaching. Fifth, rhythm plays a big role and is defined as a “continuum” of functions and effects in pronunciation assessment. Sixth, the trend among the technology-minded for testing using automated assessment of pronunciation has as its goal accuracy in imitating native speakers, as is reflected in the use of Praat as a device. Therefore, the blending approach (Praat and raters) represents the future in assessing E-TPS.

Pronunciation Assessment: Traditional vs Modern Modes

This article discusses the significance of pronunciation in linguistic competence and its role in effective communication for English speakers. It highlights the potential issues arising from human-rated pronunciation assessments, including inconsistency and bias. To overcome these challenges, the article examines the adoption of AI-powered platforms in pronunciation assessment. These platforms offer rapid results while maintaining high validity standards. They rely on technologies like Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and speech analysis programs to evaluate pronunciation skills based on suprasegmental features such as stress and intonation.The article also explores the future of AI-powered pronunciation assessment, which presents both opportunities and challenges. These platforms offer scalability, consistency, and personalized feedback, enhancing the learning experience. However, they must address issues related to scoring model validity, speech data diversity, ethical concerns, and the integration of human and machine feedback. In conclusion, the adoption of AI in pronunciation assessment is transforming language testing, offering advantages in terms of efficiency and accessibility while posing challenges related to validity and ethical considerations. Ongoing research and development will be essential to ensure AI-powered platforms meet the evolving needs of language learners and educators in large-scale language tests.

Improving Students’ Speaking Ability through Morning English Program Extracurricular Activities in Indonesia

This study aim was to describe the activities of the Morning English Program (MEP) and their impact on improving students’ speaking skills. This study used a qualitative descriptive research method. To collect the data, the researchers of the administered questionnaire were divided into two groups: an English teacher in Indonesia at SMK Bhakti Mulia Pare and 44 of 1the 11th grade students who became members of the MEP. Then, the researcher interviewed five students and one teacher to expand the information received. Data analysis carried out was collecting data, displaying data, and drawing conclusions. The reliability of the study data was checked through data triangulation. The results of1this study identified the MEP activities consisted of speaking, reading aloud, telling stories and group discussions. Following the implementation of these activities, students' speaking skills which include grammatical accuracy, pronunciation skills, vocabulary mastery, fluency, and the ability to organize concepts while speaking. In addition, students experienced lower anxiety and increased interest in learning English. This positive impact enhances the teacher's role in using appropriate teaching methods and creating a positive learning environment. Conclusion. Henceforth, this study illustrates the importance of planning before implementing an English program and adopting similar activities to improve students' speaking skills.

INTEGRATING HTML5-BASED SPEECH RECOGNITION WITH LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO ENHANCE EFL LEARNERS’ PRONUNCIATION SKILLS

HTML5 (HyperText Markup Language version 5) is currently integrated with almost all web-based applications due to its compatibility with numerous types of multimedia content including music, video, and animation. This exploratory study focused on the application and assessment of an HTML5-based plugin called H5P as a Computer Assisted Pronunciation Training (CAPT) tool in developing the pronunciation skills of intermediate-level learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). The target words were initially recorded with their correct pronunciations and then the audio files were imported into H5P to create interactive exercises. The H5P was then integrated with the institutional Learning Management System (LMS). The practice was implemented on n=188 EFL learners enrolled in the General Foundation (GFP) of a university college in the Sultanate of Oman. The efficacy of the approach was assessed through the perspectives of students by using student questionnaires and a student focus group discussion (FGD). The study yielded encouraging findings since most of the students agreed that the use of HTML5 as a CAPT tool was helpful in enhancing their pronunciation skills as it provided automatically generated instant feedback, was easy to use, and could be used by students autonomously at their own pace. Although the impact of software on student achievement in terms of pronunciation skills could not be gauged and the sample was limited to one institution, the study has useful implications for EFL teachers and curriculum designers on using HTML5 for developing pronunciation skills. Further studies are necessary to investigate the pedagogic potential of CAPT resources to develop a high level of competence in EFL learners’ pronunciation.

Asālīb Ta’līm Mahārati An-Nuthqi Ash-Shahih Lillugatil Arabiyyah ( Dirāsah Tahlīliyyah ‘Alā Shautiyyāt Kitāb Al-Arabiyyah Baina Yadaik)

This research aims to determine the method of teaching the correct pronunciation skill of the Arabic language in the Arabic book in your hands. The reason for choosing this topic is to provide an overview and information about the Arabic book in your hands and some of its advantages. This research is descriptive and analytical research, and the method of data collection is the method of observation and documentation on the subject, and the method of data analysis is through the analysis of the content contained in the Arabic book in your hands. One of the advantages of this book and its analysis first: presenting phonetics before other skills. Second: Training students on minor binaries realizes that the phonetic system in Arabic is different from the phonetic system of his mother tongue, Third: Providing the student with the opportunity to repeat and imitate phonetic. Fourth: Exercises to recreate new vocabulary with sounds, Fifth: Exercises on reciting a set of Quranic verses The aim of this training is to be fluent in the pronunciation of Arabic sounds. Sixth: Vocal exercises ended up producing and trying to present sounds that he thinks are difficult for the student of the Arabic language

Ethno-oriented approach to teaching russian phonetics to foreign-language schoolchildren

The article discusses the possibilities of using an ethno-oriented approach in teaching Russian pronunciation to younger foreign students. We attempt to solve the problem of overcoming phonetic interference in the speech of Tajik children studying in Russian schools. The purpose of the study presented in the article is to substantiate and develop an effective ethnic-oriented set of exercises to overcome the Tajik-Russian phonetic interference and the formation of pronunciation skills in children with Tajik as their native language. In the course of a comparative analysis of the Russian and Tajik phonetic systems, we reveal their differences, which are potential interferemes – points of a possible negative transfer of the native language sounds on the articulation of Russian ones. Taking into account the results of a comparative analysis, we have developed special sets of exercises that practice all stages of the formation of pronunciation skills in Tajik children. The article proves the expediency of using these educational complexes with schoolchildren in a video format where the work on sounds is supervised by an experienced teacher of Russian as a foreign language with a speech therapy education, which allows him to use special techniques for improving pronunciation skills, allowing foreign children to overcome the existing articulatory stereotypes of their native language. Particular attention is paid to articulatory warm-ups, which prepare the organs of speech for productive work on a certain sound. The research materials can be used directly in the educational process, as well as in the development of recommendations for school teachers working with foreign children and textbooks on phonetics, including educational aids in innovative formats, which determines the practical and theoretical value of the presented conception of ethno-oriented phonetics teaching.

The use of a computer assisted program to develop primary stage pupils' English ‎pronunciation skills ‎

The use of a computer assisted program to develop primary stage pupils' English ‎pronunciation skills ‎

Brief Analysis of the Establishment of Singing State in Vocal Music Learning

As a form of musical expression, vocal music mainly shows the emotions to be expressed when singing songs by training pronunciation skills. Therefore, the psychological factors and emotional expression behind the singing skills play a key role in the complete performance of the song. For vocal singing, it is not enough to have a beautiful sound. It is also necessary to add strong inner emotions to the beating notes, and at the same time have good psychological coordination ability. Only in this way can the singing be performed vividly and vividly. In addition to the psychological state, there are also vocal state, breathing state, etc. The state of various organs of the human body when singing will affect the accuracy and completeness of the sound when singing, and will also affect people's most sincere and natural feelings.

The Utilization of U-Dictionary to Improve Students’ Pronunciation

The main aim of this research is to assess the effectiveness of U-Dictionary in enhancing the pronunciation skills of students. The ability to pronounce words correctly is a crucial aspect of foreign language acquisition, particularly for Indonesian learners, and it plays a vital role in effective communication. Many English language learners face difficulties in pronouncing words when they speak, read, or listen to English. In today's digital age, mobile applications offer a variety of learning opportunities, including online learning through smartphones.This qualitative study delves into the use of U-Dictionary to augment students' pronunciation skills, and the author provides a detailed account of the research findings. The researchers observed a group of second-grade students at MTs Maarif Andong who were selected for this study. Thirty students participated as respondents and were interviewed and given questionnaires to provide accurate information. The findings indicate that the majority of students found media to be helpful in improving their pronunciation and believed that learning pronunciation is crucial. They also perceived the "perfect English pronunciation feature" in U-Dictionary as a practical and enjoyable way to overcome difficulties in learning pronunciation.

YouTube as an open resource for foreign language learning: a case study of German

The integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education has increased the possibilities and expanded the boundaries of the learning process. It is also a prerequisite for implementing distance learning. Various online resources, such as e-mail, blogs, forums, online applications, and video hosting sites, can be used to create open learning and education environments. This study focuses on the use of informational educational technologies for learning foreign languages, especially German. The article presents the results of a theoretical analysis of the content of YouTube video materials in terms of their personal and didactic relevance for teaching German as a first or second foreign language in higher education, specifically at a pedagogical university. Based on the practical experience of using several popular thematic YouTube channels with a large and stable audience, a brief didactic analysis of their products is provided and suggestions are made on how to transform video content into methodological material for the practical course of German language for future teachers. The article also explores the potential of using alternative YouTube resources for distance learning with regard to the development of mediation skills as defined by the authors of the CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors. Four types of resources that can serve as teaching materials are identified and analyzed; some examples of their preparation and use for the training of future foreign language teachers are given. The article also discusses the open resources ONCOO and TWINE, which can be used to foster the autonomy of future foreign language teachers, and describes their features. The proposed recommendations can help to achieve the following objectives: enriching vocabulary; semanticizing phraseological units, fixed expressions, clichés; developing pronunciation skills; enhancing linguistic and ICT competencies; improving listening and speaking skills; increasing motivation to learn, etc.

APPLICATION OF LEARNING TO LISTEN METHOD TO PATIENT WITH DYSAUDIA

Dysaudia is a speech disorder associated with auditory feedback problems, which can occur due to hearing loss. Articulation is an important part of speech, and children with hearing problem need immediate help to improve their slow pronunciation skills due to hearing loss. One method of treating deaf children is to Learning to Listen. By relying on the remaining hearing, this method aims to help children detect sounds and associate sounds with objects. Methods: One-subject experiment, using a one-group pre-post test design. The participant was an 8-year-old boy with hearing loss who received speech therapy. Data were collected through interviews with the client's mother, direct observation of the client, tests, and study document. Speech therapy was conducted in 10 sessions by training the client receptive language at the word level. Comparing the client's language acquisition ability before and after therapy. Results: In the evaluation after speech therapy, there was an increase of 100% Conclusion: The listening training method is considered effective in improving the receptive language skills of children with hearing problem Recommendations: To find out whether the Learning to Listen Method is effective in improving pronunciation skills in deaf children, it is hoped that additional research can be carried out on this method.

The Effectiveness of Using Shadowing Technique Towards Students’ Pronunciation Skill at Twelfth Grade Students in Senior Highschool Number 02 Muaro Jambi

This research was made to figure out if there is an improvement after using Shadowing Technique that applied to twelfth grade students in senior high school number 02 Muaro Jambi. This research used Quantitative method with Quasi-Experimental design and using SPSS as data analysis technique. The total population in this school was 239 students. In this research, researcher use one experimental group and one control group. The experimental group that chosen in this research was XII MIPA 2 and XII IPS 2 as the control group with the total of 61 samples (30 students for experimental group and 31 students for control group). The technique that used in this research to collect the data was students must immediately follow the words that speaker said. The results that were found in this research are: (1) Students pronunciation skill taught by using Shadowing Technique now can pronounce the words in English pronunciation and less using Indonesian pronunciation (2) Some students’ who categorized in poor pronunciation skill now become average criteria after the treatment of Shadowing Technique. Therefore, at the end of this research, there is an improvement of students’ pronunciation skill after using Shadowing Technique.

USING SONGS AND MUSICS TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ LISTENING SKILLS IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Listening is the most critical aspect of language acquisition, without which one cannot comprehend spoken language, nor can they produce any spoken language. However, EFL learners and teachers find listening is difficult to learn and to teach. Teachers can play a critical role in helping students overcome these challenges by providing opportunities for students to practice active listening, engaging them in discussions that are relevant to their interests and backgrounds, and using a variety of teaching methods, media, and resources to enhance their listening skills, one of which is using songs. Listening to English songs and music can be effective ways to improve students’ listening skills. Songs can provide a fun and engaging way for students to practice their listening comprehension as well as help them become more familiar with the language and its pronunciation. Furthermore, music can help motivate students to expand their vocabulary and pronunciation skills..

Pembelajaran Seni Musik dan Lirik Lagu Dalam Upaya Peningkatan Vocabulary Berbahasa Inggris

Vocabularies or vocabulary is also known as one of the important things that must be understood to learn the language being studied. In this case, as it is also called, without understanding vocabulary, it will make it difficult for us to learn, especially language lessons. As one of the efforts that can be done is to introduce English learning, especially vocabulary through the technique of understanding songs. Aside from being a learning medium, songs are also an alternative that can be used by teachers to make learning more enjoyable. Songs and chants have a high level of effectiveness that can be used in introducing English vocabulary to children. The purpose of this study is as a form of attracting students' interest to increase English vocabulary among students as well as improve memory and understand vocabulary effectively. By learning songs can also help to develop pronunciation skills with good intonation in learning techniques. Children as learners will prefer this way of learning because the atmosphere is more fun and not bored. The tones contained in the song will create a happy mood. Make the child comfortable and start lulled by the tone and language conveyed. Learning vocabulary using songs is a fast way to learn English that will make children feel happy and want to learn more. From the results of community service that has been carried out, in the art of music, especially songs, it has a fairly high effectiveness that can be used in learning English vocabulary learning introduction to children according to their capacity. Keywords: Learning, Art Music, English

Morning English Program (MEP) as a Strategy to Improve Students' Speaking Skills at SMK Bhakti Mulia Pare Kediri

This study aims to describe the activities of MEP and their impact on improving students' speaking skills. This study applied a descriptive quantitative method. In collecting the data, the researchers of the administered questionnaire were divided into two groups: an English teacher at SMK Bhakti Mulia Pare and 11th-grade students who became members of the MEP. Then, the researcher interviewed five students and one teacher to expand the information received. Data analysis was done by calculating the percentage of students' participation in each activity. The supporting qualitative data was analyzed by collecting, displaying, and drawing conclusions. The reliability of the study data was checked through data triangulation. The results of this study showed that the MEP activities consisted of speeches, reading aloud, telling stories and group discussions. Following the implementation of these activities, students' speaking skills, which include grammatical accuracy, pronunciation skills, vocabulary mastery, fluidity, and the ability to organize concepts in speaking, improve. In addition, students experience low anxiety and are more interested in learning English. This positive impact results from the teacher's role in preparing appropriate teaching methods and creating a positive learning environment. Henceforth, this study emphasizes the importance of planning before implementing an English program and adopting similar activities to improve students' speaking skills.

The Use of ELSA Speak as a Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) towards EFL Students Pronunciation

This study analyses how students' pronunciation can be improved through the use of the ELSA Speak as a Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) tool. ELSA stands for English Language Speech Assistant. The speech recognition function of ELSA Speak is powered by artificial intelligence (AI), and it provides users with feedback to help them improve their pronunciation, which improves their ability to speak English. This study investigates the influence and potential of the ELSA Speak application on the acquisition of pronunciation by employing a qualitative research method and a strategy that relies on library research. The findings highlight the significance of having an excellent content design, an efficient pedagogical and instructional design, gamified learning elements, automatic voice recognition technology, a secure learning environment, and individualised digital feedback. The findings of the study indicate that there is considerably significant potential for the ELSA Speak application to help students improve their pronunciation skills. The consequences of this research emphasize the necessity of utilising cutting-edge mobile applications for language learning and highlight the possible benefits for students interested in improving their pronunciation proficiency.
 
 Keywords: Elsa Speak; Mobile-Assisted Language Learning; Students' Pronunciation; Pronunciation Improvement.

Using QR codes to develop EFL learners’ pronunciation skills and expand vocabulary knowledge

Developments in technology have affected education in an unprecedented way. The affordability of mobile technologies has prompted educators to implement mobile enriched instructions in classes. In this regard, QR codes have received much attention at educational institutions for their advantages, such as being flexible, handy, and cost-free, particularly in the last two decades. For this purpose, the current study was carried out at TISHK International University in Erbil, Iraq, on fifty advanced English students during the 2022-2023 academic year, spanning 6 weeks. The participants were chosen via stratified random sampling method. Control group students received traditional education, while experimental group students were exposed to QR code-based instruction through recorded audio tracks, videos, presentations, and e-exams. The findings, collected through exams and analyzed using SPSS 25 in this quantitative study, revealed that QR code-based instruction significantly improved students' vocabulary knowledge and pronunciation accuracy, with p-values of .002 and .003, respectively. The findings of this study can have implications for education stakeholders who aim to devise novel ways to enhance students' levels with web-enhanced tools like QR codes.

The role of epistemic curiosity in developing EFL learners’ grammar and pronunciation skills

The study examines the impact of epistemic curiosity on students' grammar and pronunciation skills in an EFL context in Iraq. Conducted over 12 weeks in 2021-2022 Academic Year, the research involved fifty students from TISHK International University, chosen using cluster sampling. The students were divided into control and experimental groups, with the latter encouraged to explore their interests online as part of their learning process. Data collection utilized a mixed-methods approach, including two exams, a questionnaire, and an interview. SPSS 26 and NVivo were used for quantitative and qualitative data analysis, respectively. The results, determined through independent samples t-test, indicated a significant improvement in grammar and pronunciation marks for students in the experimental group. Additionally, they exhibited more positive attitudes towards inquiry-based learning compared to their control group counterparts. These findings contribute to the understanding of the role of epistemic curiosity in enhancing language learning outcomes and offer valuable insights for implementing inquiry-based strategies in EFL classrooms. The study uncovers a crucial gap in the literature, shedding light on the benefits of fostering curiosity-driven learning approaches in English language education in Iraq.

Value Engagement of TikTok: A Review of TikTok as Learning Media for Language Learners in Pronunciation Skill

This study describes the use of TikTok as a medium for Language Learners in learning pronunciation. This study uses a descriptive qualitative. The research uses Exolyt as an analytical tool to determine engagement values including clicks, comments, and shares. The researcher uses five popular content creators, namely @englishwithgeet, @english.with.luccy, @englishwithcarla, @englishwithnab, and @andreaholmenglish. The analysis shows that the pronunciation category has the highest engagement because pronunciation is one of the important elements in English speaking and short video duration is very suitable for this category. It shows clear sound, images, filters, and material in the delivery of material, attractive images (right light), and the influence of the creator and material presented is more specific and clear. These videos from @english.with.lucyy and @englishwithnab consist of phonetic symbols. The use of the phonetic symbol is important in learning pronunciation to make it easier for viewers or English learners in pronouncing English words correctly. Besides pronunciation, the learners also can learn grammar, vocabulary, and common mistakes in English. TikTok application, together with the proper use and method can be used as an interesting, interactive, and innovative learning medium in learning even teaching English.

Student's Perspective: Using Minimal Pairs Technique To Improve Pronunciation

The Minimal Pairs technique is a technique for investigating the existence of phonemes (language sounds that can distinguish meaning) by comparing two or more forms of speech sounds in the same environment. The minimal pairs technique is used to practice pronunciation skills, especially on similar word sounds and makes it easier for us to distinguish phoneme sounds in English. This study aims to determine student perceptions of the use of minimal pairs technique in class. This research is qualitative research using questionnaires and interviews that ask students' perceptions about the use of minimal pairs technique in class. The results of this study indicate that most students have positive perceptions of using the minimal pairs technique in improving their pronunciation skills. Then they argue that their pronunciation skills improve after using the minimal pairs technique. So that this technique can be suggested as a learning method that will be applied in class learning to improve students' pronunciation skills.