Dataset Information

Foreign accent conversion in computer assisted pronunciation training.

ABSTRACT: Learners of a second language practice their pronunciation by listening to and imitating utterances from native speakers. Recent research has shown that choosing a well-matched native speaker to imitate can have a positive impact on pronunciation training. Here we propose a voice-transformation technique that can be used to generate the (arguably) ideal voice to imitate: the own voice of the learner with a native accent. Our work extends previous research, which suggests that providing learners with prosodically corrected versions of their utterances can be a suitable form of feedback in computer assisted pronunciation training. Our technique provides a conversion of both prosodic and segmental characteristics by means of a pitch-synchronous decomposition of speech into glottal excitation and spectral envelope. We apply the technique to a corpus containing parallel recordings of foreign-accented and native-accented utterances, and validate the resulting accent conversions through a series of perceptual experiments. Our results indicate that the technique can reduce foreign accentedness without significantly altering the voice quality properties of the foreign speaker. Finally, we propose a pedagogical strategy for integrating accent conversion as a form of behavioral shaping in computer assisted pronunciation training.

SUBMITTER: Felps D

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2993100 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Foreign accent conversion in computer assisted pronunciation training.

Felps Daniel D Bortfeld Heather H Gutierrez-Osuna Ricardo R

Speech communication 20091001 10

Learners of a second language practice their pronunciation by listening to and imitating utterances from native speakers. Recent research has shown that choosing a well-matched native speaker to imitate can have a positive impact on pronunciation training. Here we propose a voice-transformation technique that can be used to generate the (arguably) ideal voice to imitate: the own voice of the learner with a native accent. Our work extends previous research, which suggests that providing learners ...[more]

PMID: 21124807

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Dataset Information

Foreign accent conversion in computer assisted pronunciation training.

Publications

Foreign accent conversion in computer assisted pronunciation training.

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