--- Forwarded Message from Derek Roff <[log in to unmask]> --- >From: Derek Roff <[log in to unmask]> >Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:44:32 -0600 >Subject: Re: #9476.15 Anyone using Tell Me More? >To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]> I agree with the limitations of most available graphics display of pronunciation modules, but I think the problem is not simply one of the brain's divide between eyes, ears, and tongues. The question, for me, is not whether graphics can help, but rather what kind of voice processing, graphic displays, and student guidance can be effective in improving which student pronunciation difficulties. At this stage of our understanding of student/pronunciation graphics interaction, I think it is risky to interpret any research much more broadly than the specifics of the experiment. As others have mentioned, most of the pronunciation graphics displays seem closer to a spy movie's voice-print than a guide to acceptable speech. They focus on that which is unique in each utterance, rather than highlighting what native speakers have in common. Not only can it be difficult for a native speaker to match the model, it can be hard for a native speaker to match their own utterances from one try to the next. Language learning application programs have displayed sound as it is easy to display- the way recording engineers are used to displaying it. This is a reasonable first try, since the software tools are available, and language acquisition researchers have not provided clear guidance for what should be done instead. I think the vendors are aware of the problems, and are looking to produce more useful products. It may be that we will have better options soon. Or it may be that the problems of analyzing voice and offering useful pronunciation guidance to students are large and complex. It seems credible that it will take a while before we learn enough about voice processing and speech analysis to produce useful software in this area. Derek Derek Roff Language Learning Center Ortega Hall 129, MSC03-2100 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 505/277-7368, fax 505/277-3885 Internet: [log in to unmask] *********************************************** LLTI is a service of IALLT, the International Association for Language Learning (http://iallt.org/), and The Consortium for Language Teaching and Learning (http://www.languageconsortium.org/). Join IALLT at http://iallt.org. Subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives at http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A0=LLTI Anthony Helm, LLTI-Editor ([log in to unmask]) *********************************************** *********************************************** LLTI is a service of IALLT, the International Association for Language Learning (http://iallt.org/), and The Consortium for Language Teaching and Learning (http://www.languageconsortium.org/). Join IALLT at http://iallt.org. Subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives at http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A0=LLTI Anthony Helm, LLTI-Editor ([log in to unmask]) ***********************************************