Abstract

In this research, the effect of CALL software on English perceptual training is investigated. English Perceptual Pronunciation Training software is designed to train the learner’s perception of English vowels by building up adequate acoustic images in the learner’s mind. Non-English majors are selected as experiment subjects, who receive English perceptual training via CALL software and subsequently take two distinctive tests: Discrimination and Identification tests. Two different questionnaires are distributed among subjects before and after the instruction: a questionnaire enquiring about their English learning experience and an evaluation questionnaire constructed particularly from the learner’s viewpoint. Experimental results are discussed, and the influence of subjects’ English-language learning experience is taken into account. Conclusions will be drawn in relation to the tutorial design of this software and the possibilities and perspectives explored by CALL software for integrating perceptual training in pronunciation instruction.

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