Using PRAAT to aid in the pronunciation of -S ending in an ecuadorian EFL class

Abstract

This research aims to improve students' pronunciation of the -S ending sound by using PRAAT computer software and explore whether, after the use of it, their pronunciation had improved in context. A design method using PRAAT as the primary tool helped this group of learners from a high school in Ecuador to improve their pronunciation of words with these ending sounds. Recorded sample audios from native English speakers were implemented in this study. The final results demonstrated that certain group of learners improved their pronunciation on the -S ending sounds yet others did not, students concerned about their level of English improved compared to the ones with low proficiency.