EAL on European Day of Languages

The 26th of September 2022 marks the European Day of Languages. This day is all about celebrating linguistic diversity and promoting multilingualism. The day also aims to encourage people to learn new languages and to discover the richness that linguistic diversity brings to our society.

One way that Fonetti supports language development and practice for children where English is not their first language, is by providing them with a way to independently practice at their own pace, while tracking and rewarding progress. The automatic speech recognition (ASR) behind Fonetti assists the development of oral language skills by providing immediate visual feedback in real-time on correct pronunciation. This is especially beneficial for those learning English as an additional language.

Using ASR in this way also provides a means for children to practice their speaking skills in a safe and non-threatening environment. This is particularly important for those who may be shy or reluctant to speak in front of others. By using ASR in this way, children can practice their reading and language skills without having to worry about making mistakes or being judged. This helps build confidence and can lead to them being more willing to speak in front of others.

Conclusion:
ASR provides a number of benefits that can support language development and practice for children where English is not their first language. These benefits include providing a way for children to practice reading at their own pace, assisting in the development of oral language skills, and offering a safe and non-threatening environment for children to practice their speaking skills. All of these factors contribute to making ASR an excellent tool for supporting language learning.