Advancing Pronunciation Accuracy through the Use of an AI-Powered Learning Application “HelloTalk”

This study explores the optimization of English pronunciation skill through the use of HelloTalk, an AI-powered learning app. The research employed a quasi-experimental design, involving 17 English Department students of Universitas Serambi Mekkah as the research sample. Data were collected through pretest and posttest, assessing the aspect of pronunciation accuracy. After the pretest, a four-week intervention was given to the students through the use of HelloTalk to see if their English pronunciation competence could improve. The data was analyzed statistically using SPSS 16.0, and the statistical analysis showed a significant improvement in their pronunciation skill before and after the intervention, indicated by the mean scores of the pre-test and post-test (49.71 and 79.12, respectively). The findings also showed a strong correlation between the use of HelloTalk and students’ pronunciation skills, particularly after the use of HelloTalk features, such as Partner Matching, Text Chat, Voice Messages, Voice and Video Calls, Moments Feed, and Community Interaction that enable students to engage in direct verbal communication and exchange messages with native speakers of English. Pronunciation Help with voice recognition and Correction Feature also AI-driven features that also contribute to the considerable improvement. This research is expected to contribute to the existing body of literature by providing insight that HelloTalk can be an effective learning tool to increase articulation accuracy in English. Future research could explore the effect of HelloTalk on other pronunciation aspects, such as intonation, stress, rhythm, and pitch.