Over the last few years, we have witnessed a growing interest in computer-assisted pronunciation training (CAPT) tools and the commercial success of foreign language teaching applications that incorporate speech synthesis and automatic speech recognition technologies. However, empirical evidence supporting the pedagogical effectiveness of these systems remains scarce. In this study, a minimal-pair based CAPT tool that implements exposure-perception-production cycles and provides automatic feedback to learners is tested for effectiveness in training adult native Spanish users (English level B1-B2) in the production of a set of difficult English sounds. Working under controlled conditions, a group of users took a pronunciation test before and after using the tool. Test results were considered against those of an in-classroom group who followed similar training within the traditional classroom setting. Results show a significant pronunciation improvement among the learners who used the CAPT tool, as well as a correlation between human rater's assessment of post-tests and automatic CAPT assessment of users.

Feedback is an important concern in Computer-Assisted Pronunciation Training (CAPT), inasmuch as it bears on a system's capability to correct users' input and promote improved L2 pronunciation performance in the target language. In this paper, we test the use of synthetic voice as a corrective feedback resource. A group of students used a CAPT tool for carrying out a battery of minimal-pair discrimination-production tasks; to those who failed in production routines, the system offered the possibility of undergoing extra training by using synthetic voice as a model in a round of exposure exercises. Participants who made use of this resource significantly outperformed those who directly repeated the previously failed exercise. Results suggest that the Text-To-Speech systems offered by current operating systems (Android in our case) must be considered a relevant feedback resource in pronunciation training, especially when combined with efficient teaching methods.

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