Pronunciation Apps: What To Consider

With the rise of AI-powered apps, the ability to interface with devices in casual speech and the increased sophistication of these systems, pronunciation apps are increasingly becoming impressive tools for language learners to emulate native speakers.

These apps leverage cutting-edge technology to offer real-time feedback on pronunciation, access to this feedback 24/7, whenever you want it, and offer this access even if you do not have access to native speakers or the financial access to more traditional language learning options.

Now, a quick glance through the Apple App Store reveals there are applications like ELSA, Say It, Loora AI, Chatterfox.

There’s an abundance of choice, but if you’re just starting your journey of accent modification, how can you determine if an app is good for your needs?

Here are some considerations worth thinking about.

#1. Curriculum

The curriculum of a program is important to ensure you are getting to learn the specific things you want. Typically, learning to speak like a native English speaker is primarily focused on the speech sounds, but things like grammar, word and syllable stress, and slang can also impact how native sounding you are.

If I said, “How are you doing, my fellow colleagues?” in a perfect General American English accent, it may sound clear but listeners may still find my speech pattern awkward and not like a native English speaker because of the word choice.

If I said, “Give ball please to me.” in a perfect General American English accent, although the speech may be perfect, the grammar isn’t and likewise, listeners would not see me as a native English speaker.

If I used the strong form of all my grammar words “I want to go to the bathroom.” instead of “I wanna go tuh thuh bathroom”, then I may communicate a cautious or overly careful speech pattern.

#2. Chatbot vs. Human

Now, in my opinion, human feedback is best. Although it unfortunately introduces some variability in results based on the feedback of the individual human (because one human may be better or more clear with their feedback compared with another), my overall belief is that getting feedback from a source most consistent with the intended audience is most reflective of success.

If I want to get better at speaking with people, then feedback from real people is best.

Some application actually allow you to connect with English speakers directly. However, chatbots and AI-powered analysis is emerging as the next best thing though and provides a lot of good benefits. These options don’t need sleep, are often not as expensive because labour costs are lower (which means the end user probably pays quite a bit less), and it means services can be offered to more people. These bots are accessible 24/7 so you can study English at any time of day and get feedback when you decide to study, not when your mentor is awake or working.

#3. Type of Feedback

Now, depending on the feedback you get, you can better understand what to do differently to change your speech patterns. A human has the flexibility to openly discuss with you your challenges in multiple ways and can adapt to your learning stye or level of understanding.

For example, if you are just starting your accent modification journey, you may not be familiar with tongue position, articulator placement or the international phonetic alphabet (IPA), which I firmly believe is essential to have consistent language to discuss your speech sounds.

A program or chatbot is programmed to provide a consistent level or type of feedback, which is good but may either be too simplified or too complex depending on the learner’s familiarity and skill level.

#4. Customization and Progress Tracking

Consider the level of customization an app offers. Can you tailor your learning experience based on your specific needs and progress? Some apps provide personalized learning paths, allowing you to focus on areas where you need improvement, whether that be specific vocabulary or slang, or even a specific English accent. A human tutor may only be able to best provide specific feedback on their own accent and may lack the skill to offer feedback for a variety of accents unless they have specifically trained further. For example, if you were looking for a Brooklyn accent versus a Queens accent versus an Australian outback accent, the specific nuances may not be so clear.

Progress tracking features also help monitor your advancement over time, which can be highly motivating. As someone who works with accent clients myself, I know that this is an area of growth I need to focus on myself in providing more progress tracking data consistently - because people want to know. Sometimes for me, it can be a struggle to want to give that data when you’re invested in someone’s growth and maybe that session, they didn’t get better, but these apps are private and allow people to track their progress easily over days, months and even years.

#5. Technology and User Interface

Ease of use and technological reliability are paramount in any app. An intuitive interface coupled with stable technology ensures a smooth learning experience. Whether that is cross-platform access to support you and your learning when you’re on the go or at a desktop, having that ease of convenience and access helps people build the habit and practice consistently. Additionally, the gamification or interactive elements of apps make learning more enjoyable.

So, taking into consideration all these aspects, knowing the type of learner that you are, your personal preference may guide you to a specific app more than another.

#6. User Reviews

Lastly, user reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the app's effectiveness and user satisfaction. Look for reviews that align with your specific learning goals and needs to gauge if the app is suitable for you. User feedback is really helpful for highlighting costs, pros, cons, and other considerrations that may sway your decision. If there are a ton of updates and developers listen to user feedback, that’s great! If they respond quickly and address bugs quickly, that’s another indication of their committment to developing a good product.

In My Opinion, apps Are Supplemental

An application will never replace human feedback. It can certainly supplement it and create a more holistic learning experience, but the flexibility of the English language, the slang that becomes popular and the slang that fades out, the intonation pattern that is accepted. There’s a lot of acceptability in English speech that may not fit a more rigid programming model.

As a supplemental program, I think applications are great. You have access to real-time feedback at the tip of your fingers. You have a nearly endless supply of additional information and practice for self-directed learning.

You have all the access to resources to feel independent and in control of your learning and I think that’s an amazing avenue.

Once again, it’s your personal preference and learning style that plays a significant role in your overall learning progression. Experimenting with a few apps to find the one that resonates best with your learning approach might be the ideal strategy.