Text To Speech for ELL, What To Know

There are a multitude of text-to-speech apps that you can use online. Searching Google will show you hundreds of results but we've curated only the top 5.

How to Use Text-To-Speech to Practice English

Many English language learners are looking for a way to not only learn but master the English language. Learning a foreign language is very challenging for everyone, and English, in particular, is quite hard for someone to learn. Fortunately, there are lots of apps that come in many different formats that can help you learn the language. Text-to-speech software has come a long way during the past few years, and they can handle numerous text and audio files with the best API, meaning that you can use them to learn English, Spanish, French, and just about any other language, you can imagine. Take a look at some of the best apps and websites you can use to help you learn English.

Recommended Apps and Websites for Text-To-Speech

If you are looking for apps that will read aloud to you, you might be thinking about Amazon Polly or Natural Reader; however, the best app for e-learning English words is Speechify. There are several ways that an app, such as Speechify, can use text-to-speech technology to assist you with language learning.

3 Ways To Use Text-To-Speech

TTS technology has come a long way during the past few years, and there are a few ways you can use this technology. They include:

Check your pronunciation

With English learning, there are a lot of different accents, and you need to make sure that you pronounce the words properly. A strong TTS can help you build your language skills because you will have natural-sounding voices reading English text, making it easier for you to figure out how certain words are pronounced. That way, you can sound as much like a native speaker as possible. The speech synthesis available from text-to-speech tools, including Speechify, is exceptional.

Read difficult texts

Literacy skills are also very important for learning a new language, including English. With access to the best optical character recognition technology available, you will have an easier time learning how to read difficult texts, which can go a long way toward helping you build the language skills you need to master English.

Prepare and time presentations

An important part of learning spoken words in a new language is giving presentations. They place you under pressure, which will test just how well you know that new language. With TTS tools, you can time presentation using various reading speeds, helping you figure out how much content you have and how much you can fit into a given time slot.

Limits on Text-To-Speech

Speechify has several benefits. Some of the best ways you can use high-quality speech recognition technology, such as Speechify, to help you learn English include:

• You can use the highlighting feature to follow along with the app as it reads the words to you, helping you learn more vocabulary.
• You can ask the app to read out loud to you, which makes it easier for you to learn how certain words are pronounced.
• You can use the app to instantly translate from any language, including Arabic, into English, meaning that you can figure out how to say certain things in different languages.

At the same time, there are a few limits you might encounter with TTS.

Correct Intonation

You need to make sure you use the right program to ensure you have the right intonation. Not every program has customizable voices, but Speechify does, which can make it much easier for you to hit the right pronunciation when you go to say the words yourself.

Word Stress

Word stress is another limitation of some forms of TTS technology. You need to figure out where to place the stress on certain syllables to make the words sound correct. There are lots of different accents in English, which can make it even harder for you to find the right stress to place on the right syllable.

If you want to use the best TTS program to help you learn English, you need to use Speechify to help you. This has quickly become the best program for learning a foreign language, and it is particularly helpful for ELL students.

FAQs

Some of the most common questions people ask include:

Does text-to-speech help ELL students?

Yes. This is a major benefit to anyone looking to learn a second language, including English. Learners can listen to someone speak the language as intended while following along with the text, which helps them learn vocab, syntax, and grammar with Speechify.

How do you use TTS in your classroom?

There are plenty of ways for students to use this program in the classroom. For example, the kids can write something before they can go back to highlight what they've written. Then, they can listen to the program speak the words back to them, which is great for learning how to pronounce something in a new language which is where Speechify is helpful. 

What is text-to-speech in education?

During the last few years, text-to-speech (TTS) has become a very popular assistive technology. This is a novel program where a computer or tablet reads the words on the screen out loud to a single person or an audience. This software is exceptional for learners and students who have a hard time reading, especially individuals who struggle with decoding. It is also great for anyone trying to learn a new language. With the instant translation feature from Soeechify, it is easy to see why it is such a key tool.

Is text-to-speech UDL?

UDL stands for Universal Design for Learning and a TTS program can help someone apply the principles of UDL. This is one of the biggest reasons why this program has become so popular during the last few years. It can make it much easier for someone to learn how to speak a new language or read a story. It is even beneficial for students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia. That is why Speechify has become so popular.

What are the benefits of text-to-speech in education?

There are a few significant benefits of this program. First, it can help kids learn how to read, particularly with the text highlighting feature from Speechify. Second, it can help kids with reading comprehension when they can focus on the story and the voice. Finally, it can help people learn a new language, particularly with the instant translation from Speechify. 

What is the best text-to-speech for learning English?

The best app is Speechify. It is a popular program with lots of features that are very easy to use. You can customize the voice to find the right reading speed, tone, pitch, and more. It can also help you learn how to read with the text highlighting feature.

How can I find a text-to-speech app?

While there are lots of options from which to choose, you don't have to look hard to find the best program. You simply need to download Speechify, which is available on all major platforms, including Microsoft Windows, iOS, macOS, iPhone, Android, and even a Google Chrome extension.