Using AI for English Pronunciation Learning
Are you planning to learn English pronunciation using artificial intelligence (AI)? Google Translate has existed for a while, but tools like Chat GPT and others have come onto the scene. What can you have in mind? Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits and the drawbacks. For an easier experience, you can listen to the audio track…
Some of the benefits:
Language generation - AI can generate language content that can serve as examples or inspiration that expands exposure to different writing styles and vocabulary. This is helpful especially if you don’t yet live in an English-speaking country and you aren't constantly exposed to the language.
Availability- You can access AI-based tools online at any time. So that means you can flexibly practice whenever it’s convenient for you.
Fewer negative emotions- Many learners feel uncomfortable practicing and speaking in front of others and experience embarrassment. Since AI doesn’t have the human feeling aspect, a learner may feel less self-conscious so they are apt to practice more freely. By the way, get my FREE list of 7 ideas of how to practice here.
You can speak to Siri and see if she understands you, but Let’s see an example of how CHAT GPT works:
The potential drawbacks:
Lack of human interaction - Pronunciation involves more than just reproducing sounds accurately. It means adapting to the context and cultural aspects of communication. AI tools may provide limited interaction and can’t provide meaningful cultural insights or engage in natural conversation.
Limited adaptability -Although there is a “standard American accent”, in real-life you will encounter different regional dialects among natives. Also, more non-natives are speaking English whose speech patterns were probably not taken into account when the AI tools algorithm was designed. This con will limit your listening skills in real life and may not let you to adapt your ear to natural speech readily.
Incorrect feedback - The algorithm may give incomplete or incorrect pronunciation feedback since it cannot adapt to variations in pronunciation difficulties. It also cannot give real-time feedback with multiple options involving cultural nuances.
Overreliance on technology tools - True communication involves thinking quickly and critically. When you are only using AI tools you may become overly dependent on them and lose the ability to think independently and self-correct pronunciation nuances which will negatively impact you in real-life conversations.
Here’s a true story of a past client. Instead of thinking on his own, listen to what happened…
What is the secret? The combination of AI technology and a human teacher can provide a more comprehensive and effective learning experience for English students wanting to improve their pronunciation. How does this work?
Individualized Instruction
Pronunciation is a highly individual aspect of language learning and it cannot be learned the same way grammar and vocabulary are learned. Each student may have unique challenges and specific areas for improvement depending on their language and culture of origin. Pronunciation teachers can tailor the instruction based on the specific needs of each student. This can happen in 1:1 classes but also in group settings for a more natural feel.
Real-time Feedback
While it is true that AI technology can provide automated feedback, it may not always capture the subtleties and nuances of speech. Pronunciation teachers can provide immediate, real-time feedback and correction, guiding students to adjust their pronunciation in real-life communication situations. Pronunciation feedback isn’t only about sounds; intonation, rhythm, and stress patterns are VITAL for effective communication which AI can’t capture accurately. Rhythm does have rules (more about that here), but cultural aspects change those rules quite often. A human coach can guide a student to use natural rhythm and still sound correct.
Here’s what Vladimir said about his experience with Yax Accent, “ None of my English teachers have ever paid attention to correct pronunciation, which led to incorrect memorization of how words are pronounced. That made it harder to get rid of my accent, but with Morgan’s feedback, I was able to apply new knowledge in everyday speech and began to notice that people began to understand me better. It helped me regain confidence in my speech.”
Listening Skills
Human pronunciation teachers help students understand regional dialects, connected speech, and how to distinguish sounds between the student’s native language and English.
Motivation building
Learning pronunciation can be challenging and requires persistent effort. Having a coach behind you can give you the motivation needed to overcome any frustration or self-consciousness related to pronunciation difficulties. And when you meet live in a group setting you get positive energy not only from the teacher, but also from like-minded students who’ve most likely experienced similar things.
Lysette said, “She created a very comfortable environment. Even when some sounds were silly, no one in the group felt like an oddball. I loved the interactions with the other students. We felt welcome to make mistakes because that's how you improve. The course’s thought-provoking questions, practice material, and videos were all very helpful and motivating. “