SBIR Phase I: A language learning app based on sound and mouth movements

Award ID: 2323040

The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is advancing new language learning by incorporating facial and lip recognition along with sound analysis. This visual aspect of creating sounds is vital for mastering pronunciation, one of the significant hurdles of learning a foreign language and even improving a native language. Current language learning methods often fall short in helping learners achieve speaking proficiency and fail to provide real-life language usage experiences. This language learning platform aims to change this by addressing the growing need for multi-language proficiency in workplaces and academic settings, providing an effective and engaging language learning experience. Current language learning methods and apps often fail to develop speaking and writing proficiency, focusing instead on memorization and standardized tests. This language trainer addresses this gap by offering insights into the science of speech production. By combining visual cues of oral shapes with auditory input, learners can master pronunciation, a significant challenge in language acquisition. This research will include obtaining near-perfect voice files for machine learning model training, signal processing of the voice and video files, development and comparison of machine learning models, data visualization development, incorporation into the mobile test suite, and preliminary testing. The machine learning algorithms will use the insights extracted from students' voice data to provide learners with highly targeted, fine-tuned activities. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NSF Program Director: Rajesh Mehta