Using AI to Teach Te Reo Māori Phonemes

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• Dr Piata Allen, Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Auckland, New Zealand
• Friday 27 February 2026, 12:00-13:00
• Hybrid: LT6 Cambridge University Engineering Department, Trumpington St CB2 1PZ or Zoom: https://cam-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/88095287202?pwd=EbJwx3sCadJ0gmQcuFDIn05g8FapYQ.1.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Dr Kate Knill.

This research project aims to build a broader understanding of the benefits and challenges of using advanced technologies for language revitalisation. For example, many learners of te reo Māori face challenges with pronunciation, which can affect their confidence and fluency. Mastering pronunciation requires accurate articulation (correct positioning of the mouth and tongue). Currently, AI-based te reo Māori learning tools fail to provide guidance on articulation. To provide such feedback, knowledge of the acceptable ‘pronunciation range’ for te reo Māori sounds (phonemes) is necessary. For global languages like English, pronunciation ranges are well-documented, enabling precise articulation feedback. This study aims to establish and define the accepted range of pronunciation for te reo Māori. This new knowledge will be used to develop an AI-based pronunciation coach that will provide detailed, real-time, culturally embedded feedback to help learners improve their pronunciation confidence and accuracy. This presentation discusses the research methodology for establishing an accepted pronunciation range for te reo Māori, the process of designing an AI-based solution underpinned by this research, and the potential to scale its use to over one million users. In doing so, the research team is exploring the intended and unintended consequences for te reo Māori, including technology-driven changes in te reo Māori pronunciation.

This talk is part of the CUED Speech Group Seminars series.

This talk is included in these lists:

• CUED Speech Group Seminars
• Cambridge Forum of Science and Humanities
• Cambridge Language Sciences
• Cambridge talks
• Chris Davis' list
• Guy Emerson's list
• Hybrid: LT6 Cambridge University Engineering Department, Trumpington St CB2 1PZ or Zoom: https://cam-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/88095287202?pwd=EbJwx3sCadJ0gmQcuFDIn05g8FapYQ.1
• Information Engineering Division seminar list
• PhD related

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