Computerized Spelling Recognition of Words Expressed in the Sound Approach

1. Background and Motivation In 1993-1994, Dr. Michael Higgins of Yamaguchi University developed and did initial testing on a new system of phonetic spelling of the sounds in English as an aid to learning better English pronunciation and improving listening and spelling skills in English for Japanese students of English. The method, subsequently entitled "A Sound Approach"ã, was tested initially on Japanese high school and university students. The results of the testing indicated that the creation of a "sound map" of English was very helpful in overcoming several common pronunciation difficulties faced by Japanese learners of English as well as improving their English listening, sight reading, and spelling skills. [1] It was further tested on Japanese Kindergarten children (ages 3-6), primary school pupils (ages 6-11), and Russian primary school pupils (ages 9-10) and secondary school students (ages 11-13) with similar results. [2-3] It was further tested on a wide range of international ESL students at the University of Regina. These latest results indicate that it is an effective and useful tool for helping any non-native speaker of English to overcome pronunciation and orthographic barriers to the effective use of English. The current stage of development for ESL/EFL (English as a Second Language/ English as a Foreign Language) includes lesson plans for teachers, flip-cards and a workbook for students, and laminated wall charts. The next stage of development includes interactive CD-ROMs and various computer applications.