How to learn English with Speechify
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Discover all you need to know about how to learn English with Speechify and why it may be the best app for you.
How to learn English with Speechify
E-learning is largely responsible for enabling people to learn English faster, better, and without direct teacher involvement. Online language resources are available everywhere these days, and even people with learning or reading difficulties can access digital resources to develop literacy skills and learn a second language.
Text to speech (TTS) software leads the charge regarding helpful tools for auditory learners. In the world of TTS, few apps are as well-polished as Speechify. Its service caters directly to people who want an easier way to learn and access any content the internet offers, online and offline.
Here’s how you can learn English with Speechify.
How text to speech works
Text to speech technology is converts text into natural-sounding speech. Performed by software and hardware tools, TTS is a staple accessibility technology for people with reading and learning difficulties, visual impairment, limited mobility, etc.
Depending on the TTS software, this technology can offer many advantages, including:
- Creating and listen to class notes
- Assisting in reading complex paragraphs
- Preventing eye strain
- Offering word definitions
- Hearing speech in multiple accents and voices
- Translating foreign languages
- Improving multitasking
Of course, TTS technology isn’t perfect. There are minor drawbacks to consider, such as:
- Not all generated speech is human-like.
- Pronunciation isn’t always accurate.
- Some software requires more processing power.
Learning English via text to speech
Anyone can use text to speech readers, from people with dyslexia or ADHD to expert teachers. Text to speech tools are even great for language learning applications.
English and non-English-speaking students alike can use TTS on their computer, as a Chrome extension, or through a mobile app to improve their language comprehension.
Here are some benefits of using TTS for speaking practice and other e-learning applications for studying English:
- Content accessibility—Imagine having a Google Chrome or other browser extension with TTS capabilities. It can give you the ability to read aloud any website, generate narrations for your favorite blogs and social media posts, and download audio files in various formats.
- Minimal text anxiety—People who aren’t fluent speakers often get text anxiety when reading. Text to speech tools allow students to hear fluent speech patterns, understand complex contexts, and practice speaking a new language.
- Writing assistance—Text to speech tools do more than offer speaking practice. They expose language learners to written words and allow them to practice writing. In addition, they can help provide context and definitions and eliminate letter and word confusion.
- Assistive technology—People with dyslexia, ADHD, and similar learning disabilities often struggle to process written words. Listening to natural-sounding pronunciations on a mobile device or computer makes it easier to learn a new language. Moreover, TTS readers are ideal for auditory learners of all ages.
- Content creation—Text to speech apps also see much use in content creation. Teachers, educators, and others use them to create podcasts, tutorials, and various educational videos.
Why Speechify is the ideal choice
While text to speech tools are excellent, not all TTS readers are equal. If you want the best option, Speechify is the answer. Speechify is text to speech software available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. You can use it anywhere, anytime, to access content from various mediums.
One of its main features is its optical character recognition technology or OCR. It enables the Speechify app to scan physical documents and paperback textbooks and process the written text. Thus, the TTS reader can generate human-like speech from words locked in images, scans, illustrations, etc.
Furthermore, Speechify has a useful highlighting tool. It’s the bread and butter of people who need to hear accurate pronunciations and read along. Visual and auditory stimuli make learning English much easier for native and non-native speakers.
The premium version of the text to speech app also allows users to translate text to and from different languages. Using Speechify’s voice library, you can play the audio in multiple accents and voices. Speechify even has celebrity voices like those of Barack Obama and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Try the Speechify free version to listen to high-quality spoken English at a comfortable reading speed for learning the English language.
FAQ
Can I use Speechify for free?
You can use Speechify for free or test the premium version for a limited time to experience its full functionality and start learning a second language. The free version of Speechify doesn’t have as many premium voices, and accents, and offers limited multilingual support.
How good is Speechify?
Speechify is one of the top TTS apps for language learners and people with reading difficulties. Its powerful AI algorithms generate human-like speech in multiple languages, voices, and accents. The software has accurate OCR technology and great pronunciation along with helpful tools like text highlighting, adjustable playback, translations, etc. It also works on multiple platforms and devices, making it an excellent all-around TTS reader for learning.
What is the best website to learn English for free?
ABCYa, BBC Learning English, and many other websites offer plenty of free study materials for English language learners. Users can practice with simple texts and words, find definitions, and learn at their own pace without teacher involvement. However, any website with English content can be great for learning English for free when using the Speechify TTS reader to improve your language recognition and comprehension skills.
What is the difference between Speechify and Duolingo?
Duolingo is a dedicated language learning app built on gamification that includes language tests, teacher interfaces, and various other educational resources. Speechify, on the other hand, is a multi-platform TTS reader supporting more languages and using realistic voices. You can use it on almost any device and read all types of content, from emails to articles to scanned graphic novels and textbooks. It can make any written content accessible and as entertaining as a good audiobook.
Cliff Weitzman
Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.