Unlike writing, spontaneous speech entails the cognitive, affective and pragmatic factors, all of which could affect one's fluency. Apart from thinking about the topic of discussion, which could be academic or not, speakers may have to deal with anxiety, as well as be conscious of the talk context. Fluency, in itself describes the speaker's speech rate or flow of expression and how intelligible his/her ideas are. Hence, fluency is different from accuracy as the former accepts that individuals could make some few grammatical mistakes and have some speech fillers, however, the efficiency with which the imperfections are managed is key.
Nowadays, technology has afforded us with diverse opportunities to help with fluency. Even now, computer-mediated communication (CMC) has ensured asynchronous (spoken video) and synchronous (writing-talking). For this week, I will be discussing, Speechling, an online speaking tool.
Speechling
Speechling is a speaking app created by Hongyu, and the tool provides opportunities for developing speaking fluency in ten languages (English, French, Spanish, Russia, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, Italian, Germany).
Speechling Affordances
Structured lesson according to learners' level
The lesson contents are divided into five: foundation, core curriculum, conversations, phrasebook and exam-based (IELTS, TOEFL and TELC) for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners respectively. Therefore, the lesson curriculum are structured accordingly to every learner.
Speaking feature
The study mode feature allows users to practise speaking by reading already prepared sentences, record it, then playback the recorded format and listen to their speech. This gives users as many chances as possible at practicing speaking.
Listening feature
There is the listening feature which affords users the opportunity to listen to imitate English sentences pronounced by native speakers. Users can practice speaking the sentences as many times as possible before saving.
Complex speaking drills
Aside from listening and repeating already prepared lessons, the app also display some questions and images to which learners respond to. For English learners, this could be pictures of markets, houses or people doing somthing. Learners respond by describing what they see and this helps them to develop complex speaking skills such as, comprehension, pronunciation and fluency.
Types of lesson activities
Lesson activities include dictation, recordings, cards, flashcards, multiple choice quiz etc. All which learners can utilise to practice their speaking skills and develop their fluency.
Feedback feature
Learners can save all recordings to the app and then get it processed and feedback provided for them. To achieve this, the app pairs users with a personal coach once they sign up on the app. The coach listens to recordings made, then gives feedback.
Benefits
Encourages learner autonomy
With the features provided by the speechling app, learners can be encouraged to take more responsibilities for their learning, learn at their own pace and even monitor their learning. Learners can set goals for themselves and complete the full lesson curriculum using the many activities provided on the app's interface.
Affordable
Speechling was created as a non-profit tool for developing speaking fluency in English. The creator, Hongyu, made the app to ensure other language learners do not experience speaking problems like he did while learning other languages, therefore, most of its important features are free to use, even on the phone.
Limitations
The app could be complex for beginner learners as it does not explicitly reveal language rules for them. However, the limitation superceeds its advantages,which I have summarised below:
- repetions-opportunites to correct mistakes
- connection to native speakers
- Free to use most of its improtant features
- available to utilise on phone
Image credit according to order of use:
Speechling clipings from www.speechling.com
Speaker image by Peggy Macho on pixabay
Mobile image by ijimaki on pixabay
learner working on laptop image from pixabay
Hi Bolape! I really love the layout of your posts and they look so comforting, well done! It is very thoughtful to add the copyright of the image this time. I need to learn from you haha.
ReplyDeleteI want to try Speechling to improve my poor spoken English after your helpful introduction. Thank you! :)