Learn the correct pronunciation of foreign languages ​​with the help of Google Translate

 Learn the correct pronunciation of foreign languages ​​with the help of Google Translate

With over 1 billion active users worldwide, Google Translate allows you to not only translate words but also learn foreign languages ​​and their correct pronunciation. Google Translate, which has completed its 20th anniversary, is no longer just a simple tool for translating words.

It has also started working as your personal language teacher by making full use of AI. If you are learning a new language and are hesitant about pronunciation, you can develop a natural and clear pronunciation using Google Translate.

Various academic studies have considered Google Translate to be a very effective tool for language learning. A study conducted in Malaysia showed that students' pronunciation, listening ability, and tone of Chinese (Mandarin) language improved significantly when using voice input.

Similarly, this technology has also proven to be very useful for learning past tense words in English (such as the pronunciation of /t/, /d/, and /id/ in words ending in -ed). Experts recommend using the shadowing technique.

This technique involves listening carefully to the voice spoken by the app and trying to imitate it in exactly the same rhythm and tone. While apps like Duolingo on the market are good for laying the foundation and motivating you, Google Translate is considered very effective for making pronunciation accurate and error-free. The habit of learning from your own mistakes and the correct use of cutting-edge technology like Google Translate will help you master a foreign language quickly.

Using the manual method, you can improve your pronunciation in any language supported by Google Translate. To do this, first open the Google Translate app and select the language you want to practice.

Now type the word or short sentence you want to practice pronunciation. Then tap on the speaker icon and listen carefully to the correct pronunciation of the sentence. Listen to it repeatedly to catch the rhythm and tone of the correct pronunciation.

After doing this, tap on the microphone icon and try to speak the sentence you just heard clearly yourself.

Google's Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology listens to your voice and converts it into text. If what you say and what the app writes match exactly, it knows your pronunciation is correct. If not, correct your mistakes and practice again.

Google has recently added a new Practice feature to its Android app. It is a fully AI-based pronunciation coach. The feature is currently available in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and Hindi in the US and India, and will be available elsewhere soon. To use it, tap the Practice menu at the bottom of the app and go to Get Started.

Now select the language you want to learn. Choose your level (Basic, Intermediate or Advanced) and the purpose of learning (e.g. work, travel, or general conversation).

You can then choose between Listen and Roleplay modes. Here you can practice real-life conversations with the AI ​​(e.g. going to a museum, buying a book).

It evaluates your pronunciation in real-time. If your pronunciation is broken, it gives immediate feedback saying 'Some sounds are not clear' and teaches you how to pronounce words with emphasis.

What to do if the mic or audio is not working?

Sometimes, while practicing, the app may not pick up your voice or the sound may not come out of the speaker. In such a case, long press the Google Translate app on your mobile and go to App Info (i) and allow Microphone under Permissions.

Also, make sure that Microphone Access is turned on by going to Privacy in your mobile settings. Go to App Info and Clear Cache and Clear Data under Storage.

Check if any earphones or Bluetooth devices are connected to the phone and the sound is gone there, and turn them off. Go to the Play Store and update the app. If this does not work, uninstall the app and reinstall it and restart your phone once.