Using Technology for Pronunciation Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

Use of technologies to facilitate language learning, Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and Computer-Assisted Pronunciation Training (CAPT), are developing rapidly. The multimodality of new technologies and the capacity for individualized, customized, and self-paced “anytime-anywhere” study with automated feedback on performance is especially beneficial for pronunciation. The same technologies that have value for pronunciation teaching and learning can be applied to pronunciation assessment. A wide range of technologies and software have been designed specifically for pronunciation teaching/learning, and speech technologies can also be applied to pronunciation pedagogy and assessment, as well as to remediation in phonological impairment. We review these technologies critically in relation to available research with an eye to their shortcomings as well as their utility, effectiveness, and potential for learning, teaching, and testing pronunciation.