Practicing and working on pronunciation with the help of computers can be a very good way for language students to get quality practice with limited hassle.  Computers give us access to a vast collection of natural speach samples from native speakers in just about any major language.

There are two general methods that can be used for pronunciation practice on computers, both provide benefits, but neither is perfect.

1. use pronunciation software
2. use self-designed practice techniques

Pronunciation Software for Pronunciation Practice

 There are literally hundreds of software applications available that claim they can help you with your pronunciation.  Some are great and some aren't much more than snake oil.

"The Rosetta Stone", and "Tell Me More" are the two big dogs in the computer based pronunciation practice world.  Sadly they aren't really all that good - especially when you consider the cost. They have great looks, good marketing, and the software pretty much works (although I had a very hard time with Tell Me More since it won't work with anything except Internet Explorer).  The content of both is quite forced and unrealistic.  Perhaps in some contexts it would be useful, but not many.  I'd see value in the Rosetta Stone being used in primary schools and Jr. High school language programs.  After that the content is just too simplistic.

There are others that are worth a good look.  At a fraction of the cost, they have much better content and provide a wide set of opportunities for different types of pronunciation practice.

• Eyespeak is quite good.  It is easy to use, provides good visual feedback, and records student progress. (http://www.eyespeakenglish.com)
• Pronunciation Power is very well liked in our programme and is very easy to use (http://www.englishlearning.com/en/index.html).  As is
• Protea TextWare's Connected Speech  (http://www.proteatextware.com)

Self Designed Computer Pronunciation Practice

 This is done by using one of several techniques discussed in other posts on this blog.

• shadowing - a type of recorded repitiion of a native speaker talking
• PRAAT - lets you work on just about any level of sound unit you'd like - although you need to have the content created first.

Self designed pronunciation practice is very useful as it allows you to focus on exactly what you need to improve.  It does however require a little extra work on the part of a teacher and the students as well.

Regardless of which way you choose, computers can be a great help with overall pronunciation practice and improvement.

Cheers,

Eric

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