A listen tool (pronunciation tool) is a key strategy to enhance your technology toolkit for mastering new vocabulary. Pronunciation plays a crucial role in understanding and effectively using new words, and having the ability to hear how a word sounds can significantly improve your confidence and comprehension. For example, a word that seems unfamiliar in print may suddenly take on meaning when spoken aloud. By incorporating a pronunciation tool into your learning routine, you can better engage with new vocabulary and enrich your language skills. Follow the instrutions below to try the listen tools built into free Microsoft and Google products.
The benefits of using a listen tool:
- Invokes word recognition
- Aids in vocabulary comprehension
- Helps to remember a learn a new word
Remember: Keep some offline solutions in your environment when reading paper materials or when technology is unavailable (no battery power or lost WiFi connection). For example, have a traditional paper dictionary, translation dictionary, or similar items on your shelf.
Microsoft: Listen tool
Listen tool in the Picture Dictionary of Immersive Reader in Word Online
- Open a document in Word Online.
- Select the View tab.
- Choose Immersive Reader.
- Press the Reading Preferences (book icon).
- Enable Picture Dictionary.
- Click on a word. In the pop-up, press the speaker icon (Listen tool).
Microsoft Support article: Define words using Immersive Reader Picture Dictionary
Use Listen tool in the Picture Dictionary of Immersive Reader in other free Microsoft applications. Reference the article Where is Immersive Reader?
Note: Microsoft also offers a speak text-to-speech feature in the paid Microsoft 365 subscriptions and paid desktop applications.
Google: Listen tool
Listen tool in the Chrome web browser using the Google Dictionary extension
Use the speaker icon in the definition pop-up of the Google Dictionary extension in the Chrome web browser.
Once you install the Google Dictionary extension for the Chrome web browser (see the section Digital Dictionary):
- Click on word in the search results or a webpage to view a pop-up definition of the word.
- At the top of the pop-up is a speaker icon, click the speaker icon to hear the word spoken aloud.
Listen tool in the web browser using Google Translate
Another option is to use the Listen tool in Google Translate.
- Type a word or phrase in the box.
- Click the speaker icon (Listen) to hear the word or phrase verbalized.
More tools to aid in vocabulary comprehension
To help with vocabulary comprehension, try the additional 5 strategies. These technology tools are built into Microsoft Word Online, the Microsoft Edge web browser, Google Docs, and/or the Google Chrome web browser.
- Digital dictionary
- Picture dictionary
- Web search tool
- Syllables and parts of speech
- Translation tool
Resources
Tips for learning new vocabulary
5 Strategies for Understanding New Vocabulary – helpful article from Literacy in Focus
Subscription web browser extensions with vocabulary comprehension support
These resources are provided simply to create awareness about additional options for vocabulary strategies. It is a curated list of web browser extensions in alphabetical order.
Helperbird – A toolbar with digital support tools for reading. Helperbird has a digital dictionary with audio pronunciation and a translation tool. Plus, the Helperbird toolbar has a button to access Immersive Reader and the tools such as the Picture Dictionary. Install as a browser extension. Free trial period.
Kurzweil 3000 – Software with digital support tools for reading and writing. Kurzweil 3000 has a digital dictionary, picture dictionary, talking dictionary, translation tool, text-to-speech, and vocabulary study guides. Can install as a browser extension. Free trail period.
Read&Write – A software toolbar with digital support tools for reading and writing. Read&Write includes a digital dictionary, picture dictionary, translation tool, and text-to-speech for pronunciation. Can be installed as a browser extension. Free 30 day trial.
Snap&Read – Another software toolbar with digital support tools for reading and writing. Snap&Read includes a picture dictionary, translation tool, and text-to-speech for pronunciation. Can be installed as a browser extension. Free trial period.
Note: Some educational institutions and workplaces have a subscription to these software packages as part of inclusion practices. Check to see if you have already have access to these tools through your school or employer, if applicable.
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