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HearSay Accent Reduction System
HearSay is a multimedia English pronunciation training system that uses automatic speech recognition technology. The system provides both speaking and listening practice on the sounds of American English that have been found to be most difficult for speakers of English as a second language. Extensive research with Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish speakers has produced specialized content modules for each group. Our newest product, "HearSay For ALL," provides content suitable for individuals learning American English pronunciation from more than 24 first languages!
The student's mastery of difficult English sounds is displayed graphically in the HearSay Progress Chart. This chart shows a global picture of the student's growth in speaking and listening skills on over 700 word pairs containing contrasting sounds found difficult for learners. Students may select from the word pairs displayed in the chart and hear them spoken by American English speakers or speak them and receive evaluative feedback on their pronunciation.
HearSay customizes instruction during use. The system has a built-in training sequence that adapts automatically to the student's current skill level. This training sequence is based on research on typical pronunciation problems and their effect on understandable English speech.
The HearSay system's automatic pronunciation and perception evaluation technology makes it suitable for individuals working on their own as well as for use in classrooms, language laboratories, clinics, and corporate training environments. The system's detailed record keeping methods provide a comprehensive record of each individual student's progress through the intelligibility training course.
Students can practice both speaking and listening skills through a set of interactive games in the HearSay system. Games such as treasure hunt, jigsaw puzzles, space battles, and simulated bowling motivate students to complete the intensive drill that is required to perfect their English speaking skills.