The effectiveness of automatic speech recognition software on the pronunciation of EFL students in a college in Iraq

Iraqi college students face difficulties in pronouncing English sounds accurately. To overcome this problem, Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) programme needs to be implemented in learning English pronunciation among Iraqi college students. The study aims to test whether using ASR software would enable Iraqi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners achieve more intelligible pronunciation and overcome their pronunciation errors. Specifically the objectives were: a) investigate the effectiveness of using ASR in teaching English language pronunciation to Iraqi EFL learners; b) investigate the usefulness of ASR EyeSpeak software programme on students’ English pronunciation; and c) explore the students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of using ASR EyeSpeak software on their pronunciation performance. An experimental study employing randomized sampling using pre-test and posttest control group design was conducted. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the usefulness of the EyeSpeak software. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain students’ evaluations of the software. The findings show students in the experimental group scored significantly higher on the post-test than the students in the control group. A positive feedback was received from students via the questionnaire regarding the usefulness of using ASR in pronunciation class. This was parallel with the opinions expressed in their interviews that the software provided correct pronunciation and feedback. Using EyeSpeak software significantly aided the students in their pronunciation skill and it will be significant for colleges and institutions to consider and integrate ASR technology into the teaching of pronunciation skill.