The Usefulness of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) Eyespeak Software in Improving Iraqi EFL Students’ Pronunciation

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Cipher

The study evaluates whether automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology can reliably improve English pronunciation among Iraqi EFL students. It addresses pronunciation challenges for learners who struggle with English sounds absent from Arabic phonology. Twenty first-year college students at AlTurath University College used ASR Eyespeak during a two-month pronunciation instruction course. Afterward, students completed a questionnaire about usefulness, reporting that ASR Eyespeak helped identify pronunciation mistakes and made pronunciation learning enjoyable.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Learning English pronunciation challenges

ASR basics and Eyespeak features

Advances in Language and Literary Studies ISSN: 2203-4714 Vol. 8 No. 1; February 2017 Australian International Academic Centre, Australia | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | Flourishing Creativity & Literacy | | | The Usefulness of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) Eyespeak Software in Improving Iraqi EFL Students’Pronunciation Lina Fathi Sidig Sidgi (Corresponding author) Universiti Utara Malaysia, College of Arts and Sciences, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia E-mail: [lheart41@yahoo.com](lheart41@yahoo.com) Ahmad Jelani Shaari Language Department, School of Education and Modern Languages, Universiti Utara Malaysia, College of Arts and Sciences, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia [E-mail: jelani@uum.edu.my](E-mail: jelani@uum.edu.my) Doi:10 .7575/aiac.alls.v. 8n. 1p.221 URL: [http://dx.doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.8n.1p.221](http://dx.doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.8n.1p.221) Received: 14/12/2016 Accepted: 13/02/2017 Abstract The present study focuses on determining whether automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology is reliable for improving English pronunciation to Iraqi EFL students. Non-native learners of English are generally concerned about improving their pronunciation skills, and Iraqi students face difficulties in pronouncing English sounds that are not found in their native language (Arabic) . This study is concerned with ASR and its effectiveness in overcoming this difficulty. The data were obtained from twenty participants randomly selected from first-year college students at AlTurath University College from the Department of English in Baghdad-Iraq. The students had participated in a two month pronunciation instruction course using ASR Eyespeak software. At the end of the pronunciation instruction course using ASR Eyespeak software, the students completed a questionnaire to get their opinions about the usefulness of the ASR Eyespeak in improving their pronunciation. The findings of the study revealed that the students found ASREyespeak software very useful in improving their pronunciation and helping them realise their pronunciation mistakes. They also reported that learning pronunciation with ASR Eyespeak enjoyable. Keywords: automatic speech recognition, ASR, pronunciation instruction, English as a foreign language, EFL 1. Introduction Technological evolution must develop at a fast pace to operate in today's progressive work environments. Certain concepts in the current technological progression still require some genuine self-reliant systems. Such systems can be created successfully by inculcating the way artificial intelligence can communicate in a real way that speaks like humans (Beelders & Blignaut, 2011) . Automated speech recognition (ASR) technology has seen similar technical developments and authentic progress in inventions that are beneficial for specialised sets of users such as language learners to help them improve their spoking skills in the target language. ASR is a leading technology that allows humans to interact with data-processing programs through vocalisation. It resembles general conversation among humans; thus, ASR is currently one of the most intelligent developments in technology. Learning English pronunciation is considered a difficult task especially for foreign language learners. In Iraq, learners of English find it difficult to masterin pronunciation (Hassan, 2014( . The factors that influence the accuracy of English pronunciation include mother tongue interference (Carter & Nunan, 2001) where the sound system of the tareget language and the mother tongue language are very different or nonexistent. There are certain English sounds, such as /p/, /v/, /tʃ/, /ŋ/, /ʒ/ (Odisho, 2005) and /e/, /ɔː/, /ɒ/, /ɜː/, /ə/, and /ɑː/ that are not found in the Arabic sounds system. Arab learners face problems pronouncing sounds that they are not familiar with (Homeidan, 1984) . Therefore, using the technology of ASR may help them improve their pronunciation

FAQs

What does the study examine about ASR for Iraqi EFL learners?

The study determines whether automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology is reliable for improving English pronunciation for Iraqi EFL students.

How was ASR Eyespeak used in the instruction process?

Twenty first-year college students participated in a two-month pronunciation instruction course using ASR Eyespeak software and then completed a questionnaire about its usefulness.

What features does the study mention for Eyespeak to support pronunciation improvement?

The software provides native-speaker listening, recording and comparison, immediate feedback with explanations, and feedback visualizations such as animated sound wavelength and speech organ depictions.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Cipher