AI-Powered Pronunciation Coaches: The Next Frontier in Second Language Acquisition

Pronunciation plays a key role in learning a new language, but for many students, it's also one of the hardest skills to master. With the rise of artificial intelligence, new tools—like AI-powered pronunciation coaches—are changing the game. These technologies offer fresh ways to help English learners improve how they speak. In this paper, I explore what it means to bring these tools into the classroom: how well they work, what challenges they bring, and what teachers should keep in mind when using them. By looking at real classroom examples, current teaching strategies, and what research says, I aim to understand how AI tools stack up against traditional methods and offer practical advice for educators looking to support their students' speaking skills.