Audiovisual tools for phonetic and articulatory visualization in computer-aided pronunciation training

Abstract

This paper reviews interactive methods for improving the phonetic competence of subjects in the case of second language learning as well as in the case of speech therapy for subjects suffering from hearing-impairments or articulation disorders. As an example our audiovisual feedback software "SpeechTrainer" for improving the pronunciation quality of Standard German by visually highlighting acoustics-related and articulation-related sound features will be introduced here. Results from literature on training methods as well as the results concerning our own software indicate that audiovisual tools for phonetic and articulatory visualization are beneficial for computer-aided pronunciation training environments. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.