Talking with Machines: Exploring AI as a Tool to Improve the English Pronunciation of Spanish-Catalan Teenagers

Identifier:  TFM:1718

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFM1718

Authors:  Palomo Martín, Marina

Abstract:
This study investigates AI’s potential to improve English pronunciation skills in EFL learners, specifically focusing on American English vowel sounds. First, an introduction to AI is provided, followed by an examination of pronunciation instruction, the English vowel system, and challenges faced by Spanish-Catalan learners. Siri and the Speakometer app were used to evaluate AI's effectiveness with 24 Spanish-Catalan teenagers. Participants received explicit instruction and practiced with either traditional methods or Speakometer. The results showed that AI tools did not significantly enhance pronunciation learning, thus concluding that AI still lacks the efficiency required for effective EFL pronunciation practice.