Abstract
Exposure to the input of the target language is crucial for successful foreign language learning. However, learners in English as a foreign language (EFL) contexts are placed in input poor environments because English is neither their native nor official language and there is a limited number of native speaker teachers available. With the rapid development of information technology, text-to-speech (TTS) synthesizers, computer programs converting written text into spoken words, provides great potential for offering learners with varied and easily accessible spoken language input. As the quality of the TTS speech sound is beginning to reach actual real human speech sound, a growing number of English instructors have been exploring ways to incorporate TTS programs in their classes. This paper intends to explore the current development of TTS technology, to identify possible opportunities and challenges of employing TTS technology in EFL contexts, and to discuss pedagogical implications and future research directions.
Keywords
- Text-to-Speech
- EFL
- Foreign language learning
- Web-based learning
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Guoquan, S.: Using TTS voices to develop audio materials for listening comprehension: A digital approach. Bri. J. Edu. Tech. 41, 632–641 (2010)
Proctor, C.P., Dalton, B., Grisham, D.L.: Scaffolding English language learners and struggling readers in a universal literacy environment with embedded strategy instruction and vocabulary support. J. Lit. Res. 39, 71–93 (2007)
Ehsani, F., Knodt, E.: Speech technology in computer-aided language learning: Strengths, and limitations of a new call paradigm. Lang. Lea. Tech. 2, 45–60 (1998)
Handley, Z.: Is text-to-speech synthesis ready for use in computer-assisted language learning? Spe. Com. 5, 906–919 (2009)
AT &T Labs, Inc., http://www2.research.att.com/~ttsweb/tts/demo.php
Sisson, C.: Text-to-speech in vocabulary acquisition and student knowledge models: A classroom study using the REAP intelligent tutoring system. Technical Report, CMU-LTI (2007)
Kiliçkaya, F.: Improving pronunciation via accent reduction and text-to-speech software. In: 1st Proceedings of the WorldCALL 2008 Conference, Japan, pp. 135–137 (2008)
Kirstein, M.: Universalizing universal design: Applying text-to-speech technology to English language learners’ process writing. Doc. diss (2006)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this paper
Cite this paper
Moon, D. (2012). Web-Based Text-to-Speech Technologies in Foreign Language Learning: Opportunities and Challenges. In: Kim, Th., Ma, J., Fang, Wc., Zhang, Y., Cuzzocrea, A. (eds) Computer Applications for Database, Education, and Ubiquitous Computing. EL DTA 2012 2012. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 352. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-35603-2_19
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-35603-2_19
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-35602-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-35603-2
eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)