Design of Enhanced Flashcards for Second Language Vocabulary Learning with Emotional Binaural Narration

Abstract

In this paper, we report on the design of a flashcard application with which learners experience the meaning of written words with emotional binaural voice narrations to enhance second language vocabulary learning. Typically, voice used in English vocabulary learning is recorded by a native speaker with no accent, and it aims for accurate pronunciation and clarity. However, the voice can also be flat and monotonous, and it can be difficult for learners to retain the new vocabulary in the semantic memory. Enhancing textual flashcards with emotional narration in the learner's native language helps the retention of new second language vocabulary items in the episodic memory instead of the semantic memory. Further, greater emotionality in the narration reinforces the retention of episodic memory.