Fluidity: Developing second language fluency with real-time feedback during speech practice

Fluidity is a JavaFX framework application that is designed to give second language learners instruction in how to develop their speech fluency. While learners are practicing giving a monologic speech, the application measures certain features of their speech fluency (e.g., phonation vs. silence time, syllable count, pause count) and updates these measures in real-time. The application also gives real-time feedback to learners through an on-screen avatar nicknamed “Fludie” that changes its facial expression according to the fluency measures: for example, pleased when fluent, but not satisfied when disfluent. After each speech practice, learners may review their practice through playback and while viewing multiple visualizations of their speech fluency. Future development plans of Fluidity include increased capability for gamification, more sophisticated feedback to learners, customization of desired fluency profiles, and more speech practice methods.