Investigating the effectof Duolingo's sounds feature on EFL students' phonemic accuracy andperceptions

Zahron, Hafidzah Wardah Wafiroh and Rohmana, Wahyu Indah Mala (2026) Investigating the effectof Duolingo's sounds feature on EFL students' phonemic accuracy andperceptions. Tefla Journal (Teaching English as Foreign Language and Applied Linguistics Journal), 8 (1). pp. 89-106. ISSN 2654-5152

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Abstract

Previous studies on Duolingo have largely focused on learners’ general speaking ability and motivation, while the effects of its speech-recognition features on learners’ phonemic accuracy, particularly vowel and consonant production, remain underexplored. This study investigated the effectiveness of Duolingo's Sounds feature in improving EFL students’ phonemic accuracy and explored their perceptions of its use in learning English pronunciation. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed involving 35 eleventh-grade students at MAN 1 Blitar. Quantitative data were collected through phonemic pre-tests and post-tests and analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired-sample t-tests. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with eight purposively selected students representing high, medium, and low achievement levels. The findings revealed a significant improvement in phonemic accuracy, with mean scores increasing from 81.71 in the pre-test to 93.29 in the post-test (t(35) = -11.571, p < .001). Students also reported positive perceptions of the feature, citing increased pronunciation awareness, confidence, motivation, and opportunities for independent practice despite some challenges with feedback clarity and difficult phonemes. The study suggests that speech-recognition-based mobile learning can effectively support phonemic development in EFL contexts.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	duolingo soundsfeature; efl learners; phonemic accuracy; learning pronunciation; mall
Subjects:	20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2004 Linguistics > 200401 Applied Linguistics and Educational Linguistics 20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2004 Linguistics > 200408 Linguistic Structures (incl. Grammar, Phonology, Lexicon, Semantics) > 20040801 Phonology 13 EDUCATION > 1301 Education Systems 20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2004 Linguistics
Divisions:	Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teaching Training > Department of English Language Education
Depositing User:	Ms. Wahyu Indah Mala Rohmana
Date Deposited:	20 Jul 2026 09:43

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