AI-BASED PRONUNCIATION TRAINING TOOLS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Authors

  • Neneng Avrianti Universitas Tanjungpura
  • Yohanes Gatot Sutapa Yuliana Universitas Tanjungpura
  • Ikhsanudin Ikhsanudin Universitas Tanjungpura

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26418/jeep.v7i1.99864

Keywords:

Systematic Review, Text-to-Speech (TTS), AI-based pronunciation Training, ELSA Speak, Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), English Language Learners (ELLs).

Abstract

Proficiency in English pronunciation is essential for effective communication, especially among English language learners (ELLs). This systematic review synthesizes findings from 22 studies published between 2016 and 2024 on the use of AI-based pronunciation training tools in English language education. The analysis shows growing interest in this field, with a notable rise in publications in 2022. AI tools, particularly ELSA Speak, have been shown to enhance pronunciation accuracy, learner confidence, and engagement through personalized feedback and interactive practice. Text-to-Speech (TTS) and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technologies also contribute to improved motivation and pronunciation development. However, gaps remain regarding the role of AI in teacher training and its impact on educators’ pronunciation skills. Most studies focus on students, highlighting the need for research on teachers’ experiences and effective classroom integration. Overall, this review provides evidence-based insights into the pedagogical use of AI for pronunciation learning. The results indicate that AI-based pronunciation tools improve accuracy, confidence, and engagement, but challenges such as technological barriers, feedback limitations, and insufficient educator-focused studies persist. Addressing these gaps is essential to optimizing AI’s role in language learning.

References

Ahamed, S. K., & Lakshmi, K. D. (2023). From accents to accuracy: A literature review on utilizing digital tools for perfecting pronunciation. Journal of Research Administration, 5(2), 5506–5517. https://journlra.org/index.php/jra/article/view/685/494

Al-Jarf, R. (2022). Text-to-speech software for promoting EFL freshman students’ decoding skills and pronunciation accuracy. Journal of Computer Science and Technology Studies, 4(2), 19–30. https://doi.org/10.32996/jcsts

Al-Shallakh, M. A. I. (2023). Artificial intelligence-based mobile learning in English Language Teaching (ELT) for EFL learners: Enhancing pronunciation with ELSA SPEAK in Oman. Arab Humanities Journal, 4(3), 208–221. https://journals.mejsp.com/assets/uploads/journals-researches/1699854571_4213206970.pdf

Al-Shallakh, M. A. I. (2024). Embedding artificial intelligent applications in higher educational institutions to improve students’ pronunciation performance. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 14(6), 1897–1906. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1406.31

Amante-Nochefranca, G., Orbase-Sandal, O., Alieto, E. O., Laput, I. U., Albani, S. E., Lucas, R. I., & Tanpoco, M. (2024). AI-assisted English Language Learning and Teaching in a developing country: An investigation of ESl student’s beliefs and challenges. ICAISE 2023. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, 837(3), 281–289. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-48465-0_37

Amin, E. A. R. (2024). EFL students’ perception of using AI text-to-speech apps in learning pronunciation. Migration Letters, 21(3), 887–903. https://migrationletters.com/index.php/ml/article/view/6905

Amrate, M., & Tsai, P. H. (2024). Computer-assisted pronunciation training: A systematic review. ReCALL, 37, 22–42. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344024000181

Anggraini. (2022). Improving students’ pronunciation skill using Elsa Speak application. Journey: Journal of English Language and Pedagogy, 5(1), 135–141. https://doi.org/10.33503/journey.v5i1.1840

Assalamah, T. M., Hilza, I. F., & Wafiroh, L. H. (2024). Students’ attitudes toward the use of Edtech as a powerful pronunciation learning tool in EFL. International Journal of Education, Language, Literature, Arts, Culture, and Social Humanities, 2(3), 161–177. https://doi.org/10.59024/ijellacush.v2i3.973

Bashori, M., van Hout, R., Strik, H., & Cucchiarini, C. (2022). ‘Look, I can speak correctly’: Learning vocabulary and pronunciation through websites equipped with automatic speech recognition technology. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 37(5–6), 1335–1363. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2022.2080230

Bashori, M., van Hout, R., Strik, H., & Cucchiarini, C. (2024). I Can Speak: Improving English pronunciation through automatic speech recognition-based language learning systems. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 2, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2024.2315101

Chung, B., & Bong, H. K. M. (2022). A study on the intelligibility of Korean-accented English: Possibilities of implementing AI applications in English education. Journal of Asia TEFL, 19(1), 197–215. https://doi.org/10.18823/asiatefl.2022.19.1.12.197

Dennis, N. K. (2024). Using AI-powered speech recognition technology to improve English pronunciation and speaking skills. IAFOR Journal of Education, 12(2), 107–126. https://doi.org/10.22492/ije.12.2.05

Derwing, T. M., & Munro, M. J. (2015). Pronunciation fundamentals: Evidence-based perspectives for L2 teaching and research (N. Spada & N. Van Deusen-Scholl (eds.)). John Benjamins Publishing Company. https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.42

Dida, H. A., Chakravarthy, D., & Rabbi, F. (2023). ChatGPT and big data: Enhancing text-to-speech conversion. Mesopotamian Journal of Big Data, 2023, 31–35. https://doi.org/10.58496/mjbd/2023/005

Eksi, G. Y., & Yesilcinar, S. (2016). An investigation of the effectiveness of online text-to-speech tools in improving EFL teacher trainees’ pronunciation. English Language Teaching, 9(2), 205. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v9n2p205

Elnagar, B. M. A. (2020). An investigation of instructors’ approaches in teaching pronunciation: A case study. English Language Teaching, 13(8), 185. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v13n8p185

Fitria, T. N. (2022). Utilizing text-to-speech technology: Natural Reader in teaching pronunciation. JETLEE : Journal of English Language Teaching, Linguistics, and Literature, 2(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.47766/jetlee.v2i2.312

Gesa, F., Frigole, N., & Suárez, M.-D.-M. (2024). Pronunciation development in the EFL classroom: The case of flowchase. Universitat de Barcelona, 5, 746–764. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380827447

Kantt, B., & Asher, A. (2024). LangTech in the AI era (Issue 3). Independently published. https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr1QGw_5AlnUQIA3K_LQwx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNzZzMEcG9zAzMEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1729911103/RO=10/RU=https%3A%2F%2F7690351.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net%2Fhubfs%2F7690351%2FLead%2520Magnets%2FWhitepaper%2520-%2520LangTech%2520in

Kholis, A. (2021). Elsa Speak app: Automatic speech recognition (ASR) for supplementing English pronunciation skills. Pedagogy : Journal of English Language Teaching, 9(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.32332/joelt.v9i1.2723

Lee, Y. J., & Davis, R. O. (2024). A case study of implementing generative AI in university’s general English courses. Contemporary Educational Technology, 16(4), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/15218%0AARTICLE

Levis, J. M. (2018). Intelligibility, oral communication, and the teaching of pronunciation. In Cambridge University Press. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108241564

Liu, X., Wu, D., Ye, Y., Xu, M., Jiao, J., & Lin, W. (2020). Improving accuracy in imitating and reading aloud via speech visualization technology. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 15(8), 144–160. https://doi.org/10.3991/IJET.V15I08.11475

Meisarah, F. (2020). Mobile-assisted pronunciation training: The Google Play pronunciation and phonetics application. Script Journal: Journal of Linguistics and English Teaching, 5(2), 70–88. https://doi.org/10.24903/sj.v5i2.487

Ngoc, N. K., & Thanh, N. T. M. (2024). Tertiary students’ perceptions on Elsa Speak application for pronunciation learning. European Journal of Applied Linguistics Studies, 7(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.46827/ejals.v7i1.483

Sariani, Miladiyenti, F., Rozi, F., Haslina, W., & Marzuki, D. (2022). Incorporating mobile-based artificial intelligence to English pronunciation learning in tertiary-level students: Developing autonomous learning. International Journal of Advanced Science Computing and Engineering, 4(3), 220–232. https://doi.org/10.62527/ijasce.4.3.92

Shehata, M. G. M. (2024). A program based on artificial intelligence to enhance prospective teachers’ English pronunciation. CDELT Occasional Papers in the Development of English Education, 86(4), 145–179. https://doi.org/10.21608/opde.2024.362818

Sholekhah, M. F., & Fakhrurriana, R. (2023). The use of ELSA Speak as a mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) towards EFL students pronunciation. JELITA: Journal of Education, Language Innovation, and Applied Linguistics, 2(2), 93–100. https://doi.org/10.37058/jelita.v2i2.7596

Sun, W. (2023). The impact of automatic speech recognition technology on second language pronunciation and speaking skills of EFL learners: A mixed methods investigation. Frontiers in Psychology, 14(8), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1210187

Thi-Nhu Ngo, T., Hao-Jan Chen, H., & Kuo-Wei Lai, K. (2024). The effectiveness of automatic speech recognition in ESL/EFL pronunciation: A meta-analysis. ReCALL, 36(1), 4–21. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0958344023000113

Vančová, H. (2023). AI and AI-powered tools for pronunciation training. Journal of Language and Cultural Education, 11(3), 12–24. https://doi.org/10.2478/jolace-2023-0022

Woo, J. H., & Choi, H. (2021). Systematic review for AI-based language learning tools. Journal of Digital Contents Society, 22(11), 1783–1792. https://doi.org/10.9728/dcs.2021.22.11.1783

Xue, Y. (2023). A study on the influence of mother tongue transfer on English pronunciation of primary students. Creative Education, 14(11), 2123–2130. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2023.1411135

Zakiyyah, F., Setyaji, A., & Ardini, S. N. (2022). The analysis of pronunciation application based on the concept of artificial intelligence. UNCLLE (Undergraduate Conference on Language, Literature, and Culture), 2(1), 559–569. https://publikasi.dinus.ac.id/index.php/unclle/article/view/6025

Downloads

Published

2026-01-21

Issue

Section

Articles