A Web-Based High Variability Phonetic Training Application for French Vowels

Over the past decades, a large number of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of High Variability Phonetic Training (HVPT) on the development of second language (L2) speech perception and production (e.g., Barriuso & Hayes-Harb, 2018; Lively, Pisoni, Yamada, Tohkura, & Yamada, 1994). To date though, almost all studies have focused on L2 English and have been conducted in lab-settings, thus limiting the number of learners who can benefit from this pedagogical approach. Yet, web-based programs, such as English Accent Coach (Thomson, 2012), offer a great potential to easily integrate variability in perception training. In this paper, I will report on the development of a free web-based HVPT application targeting the development of French vowels. Ouïe (French for hearing; https://ouie.org/) consists of two modes: 1) a familiarisation mode that familiarizes learners with International Phonetic Alphabet symbols (with audio examples) and basic phonetic explanations regarding place and manner of articulation, and 2) a training entraînement mode. In the training mode, tokens are (currently) produced by five voices and target the 10 oral vowels /i-e-ɛ-a-y-ø-œ-u-o-ɔ/ and the three nasal vowels /ɔ̃-ɑ̃-ɛ̃/ in a variety of phonetic contexts. Learners can choose sessions of 20 or 40 words, with each trial followed by immediate feedback.