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MPC: My Pronunciation Coach – STW Valoristion Grant phase 2

Title: ‘My Pronunciation Coach’ (MPC)
Exploiting the potential of speech technology in language learning

Summary of the project plan:

Aim and innovation: Acquiring a correct pronunciation in a second language (L2) is a fundamental skill for successful interaction in the L2 for all learners, irrespective of their educational level or career. Dutch learners of English have problems with various aspects of the English sound system. However, pronunciation can never be sufficiently practiced in the classroom because it is too time consuming.
Within the framework of ‘My Pronunciation Coach’ (MPC) we intend to develop a line of high-end computer programs that specially address pronunciation in a second language and that can be used to support and improve language learning anytime and anywhere. Advanced, dedicated technology will be developed to make this possible. Our approach and technology are unique in that pronunciation errors are detected at the level of individual words and sounds with a high degree of accuracy so that appropriate feedback and remedial exercises can be provided to the learner.

VG phase 1: The work carried out in the feasibility study (STW Valorisation Grant Phase 1, see Appendix A) has corroborated our assumption that employing such dedicated technology for language learning offers many possibilities, and that there is a large, steadily increasing market potential. The advanced products we intend to develop are not on the market yet, there are no conflicting patents, and we have the expertise and a suitable team to develop the technology, the products, and to market them.

VG phase 2: The first line of MPC products we intend to develop are:

  • MPC tech, enabling technology modules customers can integrate into their existing courses;
  • MPC Radboud, a complete course with content  that students can use to practice speaking;
  • MPC framework, a framework that customers can use to develop courses.

The goals of the current STW Valorisation Grant Phase 2 are to develop important parts of these products:

  • technology modules (i.e. part of 1. MPC enabling technology modules), and
  • demonstration version of MPC Radboud, based on the technology modules, including a basic version of MPC framework and a limited amount of content.

Approach: The main aim of the first version of MPC Radboud is to have a complete demonstration system that will convincingly show to our customers what the possibilities of our products in education are, how the enabling technology can be used in language learning courses (also integrated in existing courses), and to give an impression of the functionalities of MPC Radboud and what it will look like. This will constitute the basis for further development. We will start by developing technology and products for the pronunciation of sounds at word level and then proceed to utterance level. Future possibilities to expand our technology and products envisage practicing grammar (morphology and syntax), other language combinations, mobile learning and applications for people with communicative disabilities.

Partners: