CARAMILLA - Speech Mediated Language Learning Modules for Refugee and High School Learners of English and Irish

Abstract

In the development of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) modules there is a growing emphasis on the use of evolving technological developments which include text-to-speech technology (TTS) and automatic speech recognition (ASR). These technologies allow for greater spoken interaction between the learner and the computer, which is particularly useful when native speaker input is not readily available and to elicit learner speech in a quasi-natural environment. They also allow for greater learner autonomy, and facilitate the creation of modules based on effective learning activities at all levels to address needs for accuracy as well as fluency. The present paper reports on two modules which integrate speech technology, (1) a spoken dictogloss, or text reconstruction, module and (2) a pronunciation module. These modules have been implemented in JAVA as part of CARAMILLA, a spoken dialogue-based language learning tool, which is based on an earlier prototype, MILLA. The dictogloss module is being evaluated with two distinct learner groups -adult refugees learning English while living in the host country and learners of Irish, a minority endangered language. The pronunciation module is also being evaluated with the adult refugee group.