Share Paper: Accent versus Mispronunciation: modifying speech recognition software to recognize speech and not a perfect accent in the ESL context

  1. Todd Cooper, Toyama National College of Technology, Japan
  2. Akira Tsukada, Toyama National College of Technology, Japan
  3. Ryuichi Matoba, Toyama National College of Technology, Japan
  4. Yoshinori Naruse, Toyama National College of Technology, Japan
Wednesday, March 19 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Conference Center A - Posters

Abstract: In this presentation, we will detail our attempts to use speech recognition (SR) software in the ESL classroom for the purposes of interview and speaking assessment. Currently, the most effective SR technology depends on modifying its program to suit your voice within certain parameters such as vocabulary size and regional dialects. Other SR technology on smartphones and Internet apps, require you to modify your grammar or copy a standard accent/dialect. While these have been found to be useful, they are not appropriate for our needs. We require SR technology to serve as an automated practice tool for interviews and not ...