Learning a Second Language: The Benefits of Text to Speech

Learning a second language is challenging, particularly in adulthood. According to one study, we begin to lose our ability to pick up new language grammar at the age of 17. However, educators may support individuals at almost any age in realizing their aspirations to be bilingual, and edtech makes this feasible.

Among these tools is text-to-speech (TTS). Using any digital device, this technology reads written texts aloud. TTS is an invaluable tool for language instructors and their pupils, for reasons we'll go into further depth about.

TTS can even speed up the acquisition of the majority language for immigrants, refugees, and anybody else raised speaking an underrepresented tongue by helping to improve the effectiveness of language training. 

Five Ways TTS Aids in Learning a Second Language

WordTap's founder, Carolyn Knight, an ESL teacher, said, "All language learners require exposure and repetition, and TTS technology supplies both in a controlled, personalized way."

But in order to fully benefit from this technology for language learning, you must employ TTS programmes that offer precise pronunciation in the language you want to study. ReadSpeaker, a global voice specialist and 20-year leader in TTS technology, provides natural-sounding voices with accurate pronunciations, together with personalized pronunciation dictionaries to guarantee the ideal resource. We provide voices in over 50 languages, many of which have various dialects and accents. 

1. There are countless audio examples of proper pronunciation available via TTS

According to Second Language Strategies LLC CEO Tanner Bonebrake, "text to speech can and will improve pronunciation." "I recommend that students use text-to-speech when they encounter words or phrases that they find difficult on a regular basis."

Students can listen to any online content using the Wavel AI webReader, including original sources in the language you want them to study as well as instructional materials you provide. You can incorporate TTS and additional language tools into your learning management system (LMS) by using Wavel AI TextAid. In either case, TTS allows students to independently practice pronouncing words and phrases by playing back correct versions of the words as often as necessary. 

2. TTS offers chances to practice having one-on-one conversations.

"There are two crucial steps to improve pronunciation," stated Spring Languages' founder Gabriel Gelman. Listening to numerous native speakers should come first. Speaking exercises come in second. With TTS, students are somewhat independent of teachers and conversation partners and are able to have talks with a machine.

In the past, teachers were expected to write out one side of a conversation in the target language and use text-to-speech software (TTS) to make it sound natural. However, students can now have creative conversations in whatever language they choose because to the development of generative artificial intelligence. 

3. TTS aids pupils in bridging the gap between written and spoken language.

One skill is being able to understand speech. Another is reading. It might be challenging to make the connection between a word, sentence, or phrase in its written and spoken forms when learning a completely new language. These links can be strengthened using text to speech, which also gives students an audio means of editing their written work and improving their vocabulary and grammar knowledge.

Ashley Landes, a Renton School District principal, former Spanish teacher, and winner of the Washington Foreign Language Teachers Public Awareness Award, said, "I used TTS in my classroom to check writing, asking students to use it to see if their writing sounded correct before they submitted it."

4. TTS can assist students in learning about a range of accents by providing numerous voices in a single language.

Students studying languages will come across a variety of dialects and accents outside of the classroom. Learners can benefit from text-to-speech preparation for these factors. According to Knight, this is especially crucial for students who intend to use new languages at work.

"I've discovered that my students' success in multinational organizations depends on their capacity to quickly pick up on a variety of accents," Knight stated. "Introducing students to a range of accents is another way that TTS is used.”

A wide range of languages, dialects, and accents are available in ReadSpeaker's authentic TTS voices. Select English voices with American, Australian, British, or Indian accents, for instance. 

5. TTS breaks down barriers for second-language learners with dyslexia or learning impairments by acting as an accessibility tool.

Studying a second language might be especially difficult for pupils who have reading difficulties already. One popular type of assistive technology (AT) that has been shown to benefit children with dyslexia or other impairments that impact reading is text-to-speech. It is equally effective for both adult learners and traditional pupils when used as a second language.

"I have made practice texts accessible for dyslexic tech professionals learning English as a second language by using TTS technology," Knight stated. "They were able to practice the repetition of required material without the frustration often associated with their challenge by turning written texts into audible content."

As stated by Knight, Bonebrake, Gelman, Portillo, and Landes, TTS provides students with an effective self-service tool for language practice. However, it can also benefit language instructors, especially in the age of online education.

Gelman, for instance, employs TTS to deliver precise voices for the instructional videos produced by Spring Languages.

The instructor claimed, "We create flashcards with the most important word combinations often used by native speakers for each of our free YouTube lessons." "We create audio to complement these flashcards using text-to-speech technology."

Conclusion

Select Wavel AI speechMaker if you're searching for a TTS producing tool to easily add realistic speech to web videos. Try Wavel AI webReader if you're seeking for a versatile online TTS tool for learning a second language. Choose Wavel AI TextAid if you want to integrate TTS features into your learning management system.

The best tool for independent language learning is TextAid. Teachers can urge students to purchase individual TextAid licenses at a reasonable price so they can benefit from speech that enhances language immersion at any time, anywhere, on any device, and with any content.

To put it briefly, Wavel AI provides TTS tools for any scenario. However, we also heavily invest in perfect pronunciation, which is even more vital for language educators.