Effect of Speech Recognition–Based Pronunciation Instruction on English Speaking Fluency Among University Students in Japan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/ijl.3641Keywords:
Comprehension AssessmentAbstract
Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze effect of speech recognition–based pronunciation instruction on English speaking fluency among university students in Japan.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Speech recognition–based pronunciation instruction significantly improves English speaking fluency among university students in Japan by increasing speech rate, reducing pauses, and enhancing pronunciation accuracy. The immediate automated feedback encourages frequent practice and boosts learners’ confidence to speak more spontaneously. However, while fluency improves noticeably, gains in grammatical accuracy remain limited, indicating the need to combine the technology with communicative language teaching activities.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Skill acquisition theory, noticing hypothesis & interaction hypothesis may be used to anchor future studies on the effect of speech recognition–based pronunciation instruction on English speaking fluency among university students in Japan. University instructors should incorporate speech recognition activities into communicative speaking tasks such as presentations, discussions, and role-plays rather than using them as isolated drills. Higher education institutions should establish digital language learning standards that include pronunciation technology as part of core English communication courses.
Downloads
References
Ahn, T., & Lee, S. (2022). Mobile-assisted pronunciation practice using speech recognition technology and its effects on speaking performance. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 35(8), 1803–1825. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2022.2037351
DeKeyser, R. (2020). Skill acquisition theory. Theories in Second Language Acquisition.
Derakhshan, A. (2021). The effects of interaction on speaking fluency. Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, 50(4), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10936-021-09785-7
Derwing, T. M., & Munro, M. J. (2022). Pronunciation instruction research-based insights for improving L2 fluency and intelligibility. Language Teaching, 55(4), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444822000112
Leow, R. P. (2020). The role of awareness in second language acquisition. Routledge.
Liakin, D., Cardoso, W., & Liakina, N. (2020). The pedagogical use of speech recognition technology in pronunciation training. Language Learning & Technology, 24(1), 1–20.
Liakin, D., Cardoso, W., & Liakina, N. (2020). The pedagogical use of automatic speech recognition in pronunciation training: A mixed-methods study. System, 89, 102166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2019.102166
Mahlobo, M. (2022). Communicative teaching and oral fluency development. South African Journal of Education, 42(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v42n2a2047
McCrocklin, S. (2019). ASR-based dictation practice and pronunciation development. Language Learning & Technology, 23(1), 74–91.
McCrocklin, S. (2019). ASR-based dictation practice for second-language pronunciation learning. Language Learning & Technology, 23(1), 74–91. https://doi.org/10125/44673
O’Brien, M. G., & Levis, J. M. (2021). Pronunciation teaching and technology-mediated feedback in second language learning. Language Teaching, 54(4), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444821000198
Saito, K., & Plonsky, L. (2023). High-variability pronunciation training and L2 speech learning outcomes. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 45(3), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263123000086
Sato, M., & Loewen, S. (2019). Interaction and speaking development. Language Teaching Research, 23(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168818774210
Sato, M., & Loewen, S. (2019). Interaction and speaking development. Language Teaching Research, 23(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168818774210
Suzuki, Y., & Kormos, J. (2020). The role of task repetition in speaking fluency. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 42(3), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263119000606
Suzuki, Y., Kormos, J., & Uchihara, T. (2021). Effects of technology-supported pronunciation practice on fluency development. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 43(4), 897–921. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263121000213
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Emi Hayashi

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.