CC BY
39УДК 378.147
Tolybai M.N.
4th year student of the specialty "Foreign Language Teacher Training", Taraz Regional University named after M.Kh. Dulaty (Taraz, Kazakhstan)
MOBILE APPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOP THE SPEAKING SKILL
Abstract: the article deals with the topical issue of communicative competence development when learning a foreign language in a distance or blended learning environment. It draws attention to the importance of developing oral language skills for successful communication in a foreign language and describes the advantages of using mobile applications to achieve this goal. The article notes that apps allow learners to continue learning anywhere and anytime, making them indispensable tools for language learning.
Keywords: mobile apps, self-learning, speaking.
Mobile apps are software applications designed for use on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, as explained by Ramya G and Madhumathi P: «The very term "mobile" stands for the "mobility" or the ability to move freely and easily from one place to another» [1. pp.11242].
Applications can play an important role in learning a foreign language, as they offer many features that traditional language learning methods may not provide. Some common features of mobile language learning programmes include:
- Vocabulary enhancement: Mobile programmes often include features that help learners expand their vocabulary in the language they are learning.
- Listening and Speaking Practice: Many mobile language learning programs include features that enable learners to practice listening and speaking skills. Grammar and syntax practice: Mobile language learning programmes can also include features that help learners practice the rules of grammar and syntax in the target language.
- Interactive activities: Mobile language learning programmes often include interactive activities that engage learners and make learning more fun.
In general, apps can complement traditional language learning methods and offer learners an engaging and personalised learning experience. However, it is important to note that interactive applications should not replace human interaction when learning a language, such as speaking to a native speaker or attending a language class. In the context of language learning, mobile apps typically offer features that allow learners to practise their language skills on the go. These applications are specifically designed to provide educational content and resources to users and can be used for a variety of purposes. Many argue, as does N. N. Kasatkina, that mobile apps «...A forward-looking method of learning, allowing you to learn the material at a convenient place, at a convenient time» [2. pp.43].
Many language learning apps offer interactive features that allow learners to practise their pronunciation and receive feedback. This proximity of use is mainly due to Dana Lindaman and Dan Nolan: «The relative ease of use associated with mobile devices allows users to interact with content without thinking about the device as a computer» [3. pp.6].
Here is a list of mobile applications that can be helpful for improving speaking
skills:
- Duolingo - Offers a variety of interactive activities, including speaking exercises with speech recognition technology to provide feedback on pronunciation.
- Babbel - Provides speech recognition technology for learners to practice pronunciation and offers conversation practice with native speakers.
- Rosetta Stone - Offers interactive lessons that use speech recognition technology to provide feedback on pronunciation.
- Speechling - Provides personalized feedback on pronunciation and offers conversation practice with tutors.
- Pimsleur - Pimsleur offers audio-based language courses that focus on speaking and listening comprehension.
Mobile applications for self-learning. Table 1
App Features
Duolingo -The platform offers courses in more than 40 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and others. -The tasks include a variety of exercises such as translating sentences, matching words to corresponding pictures and speaking exercises -One of Duolingo's strengths is its focus on making language learning fun and accessible for all users, regardless of their language level
Babbel -Babbel courses are designed interactively and focus on practical language skills such as speaking, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. -Babbel also provides learners with the opportunity to practice their language skills with native speakers thanks to its community function.
Speechling -The Speechling courses are designed to help learners improve their language skills through one-to-one feedback from professional language trainers. -One of the unique features of Speechling is its emphasis on pronunciation and speaking skills, which are often neglected in traditional language learning methods.
Pimsleur -The programme stresses the importance of listening and speaking skills, focusing on developing students' ability to understand and communicate in the target language. -One of the unique features of Pimsleur is the use of interval repetition, a method that involves repeating and reiterating language material at specific intervals to help learners remember information.
Rosetta Stone -Rosetta Stone's courses are designed to be immersive and focus on developing students' reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. -One of the unique features of Rosetta Stone is the use of the dynamic immersion method, which involves learning a language the same way a child learns their native language, through immersion in language and context. -The programme also provides students with the opportunity to practice their language skills with native speakers through Live Tutoring.
On the basis of this study, we can conclude that mobile devices and applications are not only a source of fun and entertainment, but also a useful opportunity for new ways of learning. Thus, the use of mobile applications can help and accelerate the process of learning English, as well as significantly improve the quality of learning the subject. The importance of introducing interactive applications lies in the fact that, as Gafni.R and others state: «...which is personalized, collaborative and ubiquitous and where the learner is at the center» [5. pp.303]
After reviewing and analysing various mobile applications for develop the speaking skill, such as (Duolingo, Babbel, Speechling, Pimsleur, Rosetta Stone), we
came to the conclusion that online tools can help and be a valuable addition to classroom activities as well as self-study to develop communicative competence in a foreign language. Modern technology helps in building speaking skills, improving grammar, expanding the vocabulary of learners, therefore ensuring interest and effectiveness. There are many interactive applications available, and everyone can choose the one that suits their capabilities and the goals and objectives they want to achieve.
REFERENCES:
1. Ramya Gangaiamaran, Madhumathi Pasupathi, Review on Use of Mobile Apps for Language Learning, International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 12, Number 21 (2017) pp.11242-11251.
2. N. N. Kasatkina, Ispol'zovanie mobil'nyh tekhnologij v izuchenii inostrannyh yazykov, YAroslavskij pedagogicheskij vestnik - 2016 - № 4, - 43-47 s.
3. Dana Lindaman and Dan Nolan, MOBILE-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING: APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITHIN REACH FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS, IALLT Journal of Language Learning Technologies, Vol. 45 (1) 2015, pp.1-22.
4. Gafni, R., Achituv, D. B., & Rachmani, G. J. (2017). Learning foreign languages using mobile applications. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 16, 301-317.
