Google search will now give you feedback on your pronunciation
Google search is launching a new feature that will let users check their pronunciation.
When searching for a pronunciation guide, a user will be able to speak into their microphone, and Google will use AI to analyze how they pronounce the word. They’ll then receive feedback on how each syllable matches Google’s expected pronunciation.
“For example, if you’re practicing how to say “asterisk,” the speech recognition technology analyzes how you said the word and then, it recognizes that the last soundbite was pronounced ‘rict’ instead of ‘uhsk,’” Google says. “Based on this, you will receive feedback on how you can improve next time.”
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Google is also improving its word translations and definitions with visual prompts.
For example, if you’re looking up the meaning of the word “seal,” you’ll be shown pictures of mechanical seals, embossed pieces of wax, and the semiaquatic marine mammal.
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Google says these picture translations will only work initially in English and for the most easily visualized type of word: nouns. But it plans to expand the coverage in the future.
Both features sound like useful additions to Google’s already impressive linguistic skillset, turning its simple search function into a more well-rounded language coach.
Being an English learner myself, I find these new features extremely useful. I have many times used this Google Assistant features before, and I think they are indeed great additions to it. Although it seems this only works for American English at the moment, it will probably help many of English learners improve their English proficiency. Hopefully, they will make these features available in other languages too.
When searching for a pronunciation guide, a user will be able to speak into their microphone, and Google will use AI to analyze how they pronounce the word. They’ll then receive feedback on how each syllable matches Google’s expected pronunciation.
“For example, if you’re practicing how to say “asterisk,” the speech recognition technology analyzes how you said the word and then, it recognizes that the last soundbite was pronounced ‘rict’ instead of ‘uhsk,’” Google says. “Based on this, you will receive feedback on how you can improve next time.”
Google is also improving its word translations and definitions with visual prompts.
For example, if you’re looking up the meaning of the word “seal,” you’ll be shown pictures of mechanical seals, embossed pieces of wax, and the semiaquatic marine mammal.
Google says these picture translations will only work initially in English and for the most easily visualized type of word: nouns. But it plans to expand the coverage in the future.
Both features sound like useful additions to Google’s already impressive linguistic skillset, turning its simple search function into a more well-rounded language coach.
Being an English learner myself, I find these new features extremely useful. I have many times used this Google Assistant features before, and I think they are indeed great additions to it. Although it seems this only works for American English at the moment, it will probably help many of English learners improve their English proficiency. Hopefully, they will make these features available in other languages too.
This is the first time I've known about the interesting function of Google. I'm also studying Chinese, so I hope it set about measuring Chinese level. I would like to learn why Google stared this program. If you know about it, could you share with me?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment. Unfortunately, the website didn't really mention why it's launching this, but it is probably reasonable to think that they want to make the app useful and convenient. Google's main source of revenue is clearly ads, which means attracting users is the key to them. With the growing number of English learners, this will probably work. It is only my assumption though, but hope this helps.
DeleteVery interesting tech content. Google's advancements in translation technology are expected and very useful.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I would like to suggest with your blog layout is that you might re-consider the theme you are using. It feels very plain and 2 dimensional. Different shades of brown are a little confining and bland. The visual appeal of your presentation plays a very big role in attracting and keeping readers. Also, I want to suggest that you change the functional language of every aspect of your blog to English. Many of the headings on your blog are in Japanese, and that will prove to shut out non-Japanese readers.
Thank you for the comment, this really helps. Yeah, some people also mentioned the blog theme, so I think I should start seriously considering that. I also didn't notice the functional language is in Japanese, thank you for noticing me, I am changing it now.
DeleteI didn't know that Google has such a nice system. Unlike Siri, it can correct our English pronunciation in a kind way. So I want to use this content next time. In addition, I hope Google will make French version. By the way, I want to suggest you one thing. How about changing your blog background? Now, it looks simple and it don't seem to be related to your blog theme. So I would recommend that you change the background.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the suggestion, I will definitely consider changing it.
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