A computer-assisted vowel trainer for the German language

Authors: Jeanin Jügler, Frank Zimmerer

Abstract:

Learners with different native language backgrounds often show problems in the acquisition of German vowels caused by interferences of the phonological vowel system of the native language with the complex German vowel system. German not only distinguishes between tense and lax vowels but also between short and long vowels. The aim of the vowel trainer is to help learners of German with different native language backgrounds to train and acquire the correct pronunciation of vowels with respect to quality and quantity. Using a game-like pronunciation training system, users can learn intuitively. This way, no provision of phonetic information about the production of German vowels, the German vowel system, and specific differences to the native language of the learner are necessary.