今話したい：來說日文與英文吧 1.4.1

The "I Want to Speak Now" app is designed as a tool for practicing spoken language skills. The approach involves listening to a phrase spoken aloud, followed by repeating it, with the final score based on voice recognition results. Interaction with AI facilitates a non-fearful environment for making mistakes, encouraging extensive speaking practice in a short time frame. (Note: The trial version limits users to practicing 60 sentences per day).

The primary goal of the app is to help users transition from being able to listen but not speak, to achieving conversational proficiency for daily life situations (equivalent to JLPT N3 or intermediate English exams).

Voice recognition technology is provided by Apple and boasts similar accuracy to Siri. The app includes a vast repository of 30,000 Japanese sentences and 25,000 English sentences, accompanied by multiple learning modes. It offers various accents including Japanese, British, American, and Australian, with adjustable speech speed and gender options for voice. Moreover, it tracks daily progress toward speaking goals.

Content within the app is divided into two categories: Topic Sets (1,000 sentences) and Infinite Challenge Sets (20,000 sentences).

• Topic Sets: These feature eight themes—Daily Life, Romance, Travel, Discussion, Honorifics, Quotes, Vocabulary, and Grammar. Each sentence provides bilingual translations (Chinese and Japanese).
• Infinite Challenge Sets: Spanning ten levels from Beginner to Expert, these challenges increasingly extend sentence length to enhance speaking capabilities. All sentences include bilingual translations (English and Japanese).

Additional features include automatic playback capabilities which allow users to practice speaking without interacting with the screen; this makes it convenient for various activities like walking or exercising.

The app also incorporates a badge challenge system reminiscent of RPG progression. Users can earn or lose badges based on their performance ratings (S, A, B...), with difficulty levels adjusting automatically (approximately 400 badges correspond to N2 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test or intermediate English).

Multiple learning modes are provided:

1. Understanding Meaning and Pronunciation: The app first reads the translation followed by the original text; users then repeat the original, reinforcing the connection between sound and meaning.
2. Shadowing Technique: Listening to the original text allows users to focus on practicing pronunciation within the context of that text.
3. Echo Method: The app pronounces the original text while users mentally replay it before speaking aloud.
4. Practice Interpretation: Users listen to translations while viewing original texts and then attempt to vocalize the original sentences. This enhances the skill of recalling Japanese upon hearing Chinese.

Progress tracking features include:

• Daily monitoring of goal achievements and streaks (e.g., correctly reciting 50 sentences for three consecutive days).
• Tracking distance remaining to final goals along with weekly progress updates (e.g., "23% completion of 3,000 sentences remaining; estimated time left: 15 days").

In terms of usage reminders:

• Select preferred voices through settings for accents like American or British English and adjust speech speed. High-quality voice downloads are also available (recommended: Otoya for Japanese; Samantha for English).
• Maintain a stable internet connection as voice recognition relies on Apple's servers; instability may lead to inaccurate recognition results.
• A limit of 1,000 free sentence recognitions per day applies; exceeding this may result in failures.

Tips for Improving Recognition Accuracy:

• Using wired headphones may enhance audio quality over using a mobile device directly.
• Crisp enunciation and maintaining appropriate volume levels are essential (watching volume indicators can help).
• Avoid interrupting breath within words and pause slightly after particles in Japanese.
• Imitate natural stress patterns in pronunciations provided by the app’s voice teachers for improved recognition outcomes.
• Aim for a relaxed state; remember that occasional errors are not always due to mispronunciation—recognition errors can occur too.
• Disable automatic speed adjustments to select a comfortable pace.
• Pacing matters: begin speaking only after expressions like "Listening..." or grey frames appear during challenges.

The motivation behind developing this app stems from the author's personal struggles with spoken proficiency despite extensive study—having passed N1 and read over thirty Japanese novels. Many Taiwanese individuals studying in Tokyo reported understanding Japanese yet hesitated to speak out of fear. Missing out on meaningful conversations during an extended stay in Japan would indeed be regrettable.

Additional Learning Suggestions:

Reaching around 300 badges (approximate N3 competency) should enable basic conversations with native speakers. Engaging in actual conversations will provide practical interactions unavailable solely through the app.

When conversing with others, focus on both your conversational partner and the purpose of your dialogue instead of fixating on potential mistakes; maintaining intention gives true value to communication.

If struggling with topics during discussions, it might be helpful to pre-plan around ten topics beforehand—this acts like memorizing vocabulary words that you can draw upon when needed (consider subjects like weather, food, clothing, transportation, mutual friends’ updates, recent news...).

If finding it challenging to connect with native speakers directly, services like "cafetalk" or "AmazingTalker" offer online language tutoring where instructors are generally approachable due to the fee-based model. Generally affordable rates for beginner tutors typically range from ¥600 - ¥1000 for a 20-minute session will yield beneficial learning experiences. The "tutoring" app is also recommended for English language practice due to its flexibility in teacher availability without prior appointments.

The author often utilizes a brief ten-minute practice session with this app prior to connecting with tutors—this helps reinforce pronunciation skills effectively.

This app focuses solely on enhancing spoken language expertise along with listening abilities. Expanding one’s vocabulary base or grasping grammar structures should be pursued through additional resources or applications to prevent stagnation in language development.