Limitations to Applied Linguistics and Educational Research: Speech Recognition Software

Paper presented at:

The 2014 International Conference on Applied Linguistics and language Education
De La Salle University, Manila, The Philippines.
16th-18th October 2014.

Abstract

Speech recognition software is one of the many innovations breaking onto the applied linguistics and English language education scene as part of the practical application of research to the ELT classroom. This paper looks at one particular research project in northeastern Thailand which has tried to use this new computerized learning tool to give primary school students in a rural setting the opportunity to practice their reading and pronunciation skills.

During the course of this investigation, several serious issues were unearthed in the design of the chosen software. This situation has illustrated how the application of research in the areas of linguistics and language education can be at the mercy of commercial companies when there is no direct involvement with the software designers. Whilst software is designed with the best knowledge of the target audience in mind, sometimes it falls far short due to the lack of actual involvement in the field during construction. As a result, implications for further research, classroom pedagogy and the use of speech recognition software are discussed.

Paper will appear here shortly.