The Effect of Using PRAAT Software on Pre-Intermediate EFL Learners’ Supra Segmental Features

The present study investigated the effect of using PRAAT as a free computer software package for the scientific analysis of speech in phonetics on pre-intermediate Iranian English as foreign language (EFL) learners’ supra segmental features (i.e., intonation and stress). The design of the study was a Quasi-experimental research design with a pre and post-test. In doing so, ۴۰ male and female majoring in English translation with the age ranging from ۱۹ to ۳۷ years old were selected. They were studying EFL at the Islamic Azad University of Abadan, Iran. The participants were selected among ۵۵ students through the Oxford Placement Test (OPT) and their level of proficiency was determined as the pre-intermediate level. Then they were divided into two experimental and control groups through convenience sampling method. Then they took a pre-test to evaluate their proficiency in supra segmental features (i.e. intonation and stress). The control group (n= ۲۰) was exposed to the traditional method and the experimental group (n=۲۰) was exposed to the use of PRAAT software in learning supra segmental features (i.e. intonation and stress). After the treatment sessions, both groups took the post-test that was a modified pre-test. Data were analyzed through Independent and Paired Samples t-tests. Result indicated the experimental group outperformed the control group. Implications of the study suggest that the EFL teachers can use PRAAT software to teach supra segmental features effectively.