Speech comparison technology
Language software speech comparison technology
Many language learning software programs have something that a user can compare their speech to a native speakers speech. This is based on tone, pitch, pronunciation etc. In theory this sounds great. However, in my experience I have never got one of these devices to work properly. And I write software and am very techie especially with sound.
However, when I tried to compare my voice in Polish to native speakers in the software, I often got closer to the sound in the program, then my native speaking friend. So are you telling me a Bostonian can speak Polish better than a Pole? After trying tech support they confessed it does not work great. I would put its value in a language learning software program as none, rather a distraction from learning. It is better to focus hearing the sound and trying to come as close as you can on a simple mp3 (or in a normal language learning software program) by listening over and over again to the sound, than mess around with speech comparison technology.
Tags: language software, languages, learn, software, speech comparision, technology
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January 16, 2008at 8:20 am
hi,
thanks for your insight. i am trying to create a english language learning program and was under the impression that speech comparison is accurate and indispensable.
your review saved me time and effort, and will keep me focussed on other aspects of language acquisition.
regards
rbs
January 16, 2008at 12:32 pm
If you read about speech comparision technology from people who have this as part of their software program, than this is what they want you to believe. I am a language learner, also teach languages. Speech comparision technology is a ‘whistles and bells’ gadgets. But to learn a language, It never worked for me or anyone I know.