Title: 'My Pronunciation
Coach' (MPC)Exploiting the potential of speech
technology in language learning
Applicant:Helmer
Strik
Centre for
Language and Speech Technology (CLST)Department of
LinguisticsRadboud
UniversityErasmusplein 1, 6525 HT Nijmegen
Tel.:
+31-24-3616104
Fax: +31-24-3612907
URL:
http://lands.let.ru.nl/~strik/@:
strik [at] let.ru.nl
Summary of the project plan:Aim and innovation:
Acquiring a correct pronunciation in a second language (L2) is a
fundamental skill for successful interaction in the L2 for all
learners, irrespective of their educational level or career. Dutch
learners of English have problems with various aspects of the English
sound system. However, pronunciation can never be sufficiently
practiced in the classroom because it is too time consuming.
Within
the framework of 'My Pronunciation Coach' (MPC) we intend to develop a
line of high-end computer programs that specially address pronunciation
in a second language and that can be used to support and improve
language learning anytime and anywhere. Advanced, dedicated technology
will be developed to make this possible. Our approach and technology
are unique in that pronunciation errors are detected at the level of
individual words and sounds with a high degree of accuracy so that
appropriate feedback and remedial exercises can be provided to the
learner.
VG
phase 1: The work carried out in the feasibility study
(STW Valorisation Grant Phase 1, see Appendix A) has corroborated our
assumption that employing such dedicated technology for language
learning offers many possibilities, and that there is a large, steadily
increasing market potential. The advanced products we intend to develop
are not on the market yet, there are no conflicting patents, and we
have the expertise and a suitable team to develop the technology, the
products, and to market them.
VG phase 2: The
first line of MPC products we intend to develop are:
- MPC
tech, enabling technology modules customers can integrate into their
existing courses;
- MPC Radboud, a complete course
with content that students can use to practice speaking;
- MPC
framework, a framework that customers can use to develop courses.
The
goals of the current STW Valorisation Grant Phase 2 are to develop
important parts of these products:
- technology
modules (i.e. part of 1. MPC enabling technology modules), and
- demonstration
version of MPC Radboud, based on the technology modules, including a
basic version of MPC framework and a limited amount of content.
Approach: The main
aim of the first version of MPC Radboud is to have a complete
demonstration system that will convincingly show to our customers what
the possibilities of our products in education are, how the enabling
technology can be used in language learning courses (also integrated in
existing courses), and to give an impression of the functionalities of
MPC Radboud and what it will look like. This will constitute the basis
for further development. We will start by developing technology and
products for the pronunciation of sounds at word level and then proceed
to utterance level. Future possibilities to expand our technology and
products envisage practicing grammar (morphology and syntax), other
language combinations, mobile learning and applications for people with
communicative disabilities.
Partners: