Web-Based Text-to-Speech Technologies in Foreign Language Learning: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Exposure to the input of the target language is crucial for successful foreign language learning. However, learners in English as a foreign language (EFL) contexts are placed in input poor environments because English is neither their native nor official language and there is a limited number of native speaker teachers available. With the rapid development of information technology, text-to-speech (TTS) synthesizers, computer programs converting written text into spoken words, provides great potential for offering learners with varied and easily accessible spoken language input. As the quality of the TTS speech sound is beginning to reach actual real human speech sound, a growing number of English instructors have been exploring ways to incorporate TTS programs in their classes. This paper intends to explore the current development of TTS technology, to identify possible opportunities and challenges of employing TTS technology in EFL contexts, and to discuss pedagogical implications and future research directions.