Teaching Pronunciation with Visual Feedback

Abstract

Sound discrimination often becomes a frustrating stumbling
block for adult language students unable to hear the differences
between two contrasting sounds. The use of a modified
oscilloscope, in this case the Visipitch, enables students to see
the differences in pronunciation patterns they may be unable to
hear. With the aid of immediate feedback, students are able to
monitor and mosify the activity of their speech organs and
compare their productions of specific sounds to those produced
by the instructor. This instrument is useful in teaching
intonation and rhythm patterns as well as most phonemes and
allophones.