An AI-powered Chatbot to Help Non-English Majors Practice Pronunciation at a University in Hanoi, Vietnam, from the Perspectives of Students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/paic.2692

Keywords:

AI-powered chatbot, non-English majors, pronunciation, digital competence

Abstract

Pronunciation has long been a persistent challenge for non-English majors. Although technology provides effective digital tools for practicing pronunciation, the key issue is whether learners can identify and use the most suitable tools from the outset. This study seeks to explore the design of an AI-powered chatbot to support students in practicing pronunciation, beginning with fundamental sounds. The primary research method involved consulting professional literature on AI chatbots and gathering perspectives from students and AI experts to create an effective pronunciation chatbot. The findings indicate that lecturers face considerable challenges in developing such tools due to their limited digital competence. Nevertheless, with expert collaboration, an AI pronunciation chatbot was successfully developed to help non-English majors improve their English pronunciation. The study concludes with detailed pedagogical implications for language teaching and learning.

Author Biographies

Pham Thi Thanh Thuy, Hanoi National University of Education

Dr. Thuy Pham Thi Thanh has been teaching English at Hanoi National University of Education for more than 20 years. She earned her M.A degree at the University of Languages and International Studies - Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Her Ph.D. degree focuses on linguistics in both English and Vietnamese. Her major interests are the four skills of English, vocabulary, linguistics, and methods of teaching and learning English. She has published many articles in Vietnamese and international education and linguistics journals. She has had numerous opportunities to attend various conferences, including the CamTESOL International Conference 2025 in Cambodia and the VietTESOL International Convention 2025. Her slogan is: “You cannot live the 2nd time, so live and work with love at your fullest effort!” She can be contacted at email: phamthanhthuy09@gmail.com. Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0184-1544

Chu Thi Thu Huyen, Hanoi National University of Education

Huyen, Chu Thi Thu, M.A, has been working as a lecturer of English at Hanoi National University of Education for 15 years. She earned her Master’s degree at the University of Language and International Studies, VNU. She has a great interest in the English language as well as the cultures of English-speaking countries. She is also eager to investigate ways to improve her teaching methods and apply ICT in her teaching process. Now she is teaching subjects related to British-American cultures as well as literature at HNUE. Email: thuhuyen@hnue.edu.vn . Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8451-7768

Nguyen Dieu Huong, Hanoi National University of Education

Huong Nguyen Dieu, M.A has been an English language lecturer in the Faculty of English at HNUE since 2019. Her research interests include integrating innovative skills into the EFL classroom and enhancing English language pedagogy. She is a member of the VietTESOL Masters' Group, contributing to professional development for teachers and students in Vietnam and abroad. Email: ndhuong.hnue@gmail.com . Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1063-2900

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Published

2026-07-23

How to Cite

Pham, T. T. T., Chu, T. T. H., & Nguyen, D. H. (2026). An AI-powered Chatbot to Help Non-English Majors Practice Pronunciation at a University in Hanoi, Vietnam, from the Perspectives of Students . Proceedings of the AsiaCALL International Conference, 9, 27–39. https://doi.org/10.54855/paic.2692

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