Embodied conversational agents in Computer Assisted Language Learning

Preben Wik , Anna Hjalmarsson

This paper describes two systems using embodied conversational agents (ECAs) for language learning. The first system, called Ville, is a virtual language teacher for vocabulary and pronunciation training. The second system, a dialogue system called DEAL, is a role-playing game for practicing conversational skills. Whereas DEAL acts as a conversational partner with the objective of creating and keeping an interesting dialogue, Ville takes the role of a teacher who guides, encourages and gives feedback to the students.

Mots clés: Second langue learning; dialogue systems; embodied conversational agents; pronunciation training; CALL; CAPT

Preben Wik, Anna Hjalmarsson. Embodied conversational agents in Computer Assisted Language Learning. Speech Communication, 2009, 51 (10), pp.1024. ⟨10.1016/j.specom.2009.05.006⟩. ⟨hal-00558521⟩