Computer-Assisted Language Learning (Call): The Use of PRAAT with Babcock University

Abstract

The use of the English language continues to be viable and veritable across the countries of the continent, even in the non-native environments such as Nigeria, Ghana, and India, where English is the official language. As an index of achievement within these non-native contexts, there is a great premium on learning the various aspects of English. The psycholinguistic circumstances of teaching and learning English in such contexts call for concerted pedagogical efforts to satisfy the expected learning outcomes. Thus, within the field of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), an objective of this paper is to identify the various technology that can assist the teaching, learning and improvement of the English pronunciation. The second objective is to illustrate with the PRAAT software the applicability of technology for the improvement of the English pronunciation. Structurally, the paper is divided into two parts: Part One identifies some technology generally applicable to language teaching, learning and improvement. It lists 35 types of technology that possess the propensity to improve the English pronunciation. This list is divided into four different categories, namely: Hardware (13: 1-13), Software (9, 14-22), Hardsoftware (5, 23-27), and Virtual Technology (9, 28-35). Some of these are summarised into four Plates (Plates 1-4). Part Two of the paper discusses PRAAT as one of the best and most current software for learning, teaching and improving oneself in the English pronunciation. It illustrates with 11 screen captures (Pictures 1-11) the viability and applicability of the software to language learning, using This is Babcock University, Ilishan. The paper recommends a simulation of the native-like environments offered by the Computer-Assisted Language Learning technology for the desired proficiency of language learning, at this instance, the English pronunciation.