Computer-Assisted English Vowel learning system for Japanese Speakers Using Cross Language Formant Structures

摘要

We present a novel Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) system for Japanese students who learn English as second language. We regard formant structure of Japanese vowels pronounced by Japanese learners of English as their own formant structure. This structure is transformed to learner's ideal English formant structure based on the relationship between English and Japanese articulation charts both of which are corresponded with formant structure. When the learners' English pronunciation is input, it is compared with the estiamted ideal one, and articulatory instructions are given. We verified that the mapping and estiamtion of English vowel parameters are correct with bilingual speakers' speech and observed the learning effect with five students who tried the system.