THE INFLUENCE OF ACCENT RECOGNITION SOFTWARE ON EFL LEARNERS’ PRONUNCIATION CONFIDENCE

With a focus on how English as second language (EFL) learners perceive their accents and react emotionally to AI-generated feedback, this study investigates how accent identification software affects their confidence in their ability to pronounce words correctly. One hundred fifty-five intermediate EFL learners, aged 18 to 35, participated in the study using a quasi-experimental, mixed-method design. They were divided into two groups: the experimental group, which used tools for accent identification like ELSA Speak, and the control group, which received conventional pronunciation training. The quantitative results show that learners in the experimental group significantly improved their confidence in their pronunciation, especially when the program prioritized intelligibility above native-like norms; qualitative findings also indicated that learners responded more autonomously and with less anxiety to tailored, nonjudgmental feedback. The findings highlight the instructional potential of feedback-driven, culturally sensitive technology in developing student identity and language proficiency.