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Improving English Pronunciation: An Automated Instructional Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Sugata Mitra

    (Centre for Research in Cognitive Systems NIIT Limited Synergy Building IIT Campus, New Delhi, India,)

  • James Tooley

    (University of Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England,)

  • Parimala Inamdar

    (Centre for Research in Cognitive Systems NIIT Limited Synergy Building, IIT Campus, New Delhi, India,)

  • Pauline Dixon

    (University of Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England,)

Abstract

This paper describes an experiment in which groups of children attempted to improve their English pronunciation using an English-language learning software, some English films, and a speech-to-text software engine. The experiment was designed to examine two hypotheses. The first is that speech-to-text software, trained in an appropriate voice, can act as an evaluator of accent and clarity of speech as well as help learners acquire a standard way of speaking. The second is that groups of children can operate a computer and improve their pronunciation and clarity of speech, on their own, with no intervention from teachers. The results of the experiment are positive and point to a possible new pedagogy. (c) 2003 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Information Technologies and International Development.

Suggested Citation

  • Sugata Mitra & James Tooley & Parimala Inamdar & Pauline Dixon, 2003. "Improving English Pronunciation: An Automated Instructional Approach," Information Technologies and International Development, MIT Press, vol. 1(1), pages 75-84, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:itintd:v:1:y:2003:i:1:p:75-84
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    Cited by:

    1. Dixon, Pauline & Egalite, Anna J. & Humble, Steve & Wolf, Patrick J., 2019. "Experimental results from a four-year targeted education voucher program in the slums of Delhi, India," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 1-1.

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