Contrastive analysis as the basis for creating pronunciation training simulator systems

The paper argues that contrastive analysis can be used as methodological basis for developing linguistic support of pronunciation training systems aiming at improving foreign pronunciation of those learning languages. Contrastive analysis enables to detect all potential negative transfer zones, including the «concealed» ones, which can dramatically increase training system efficiency. The procedure enabling to predict substitutions made by L1 native speakers when speaking L2 is described. Specific features of the proposed method are illustrated by analyzing obstruent fricative bilabials in Russian and German. A forecast of substitutions as well as an exemplary list of lexical units to be included with the sample corpus of a CALL-system meant for improving Russian accent features of those speaking German is provided.