The Stack Overflow Podcast How your favorite movie is changing language learning technology
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Jul 11, 2025 Aruna Sreenastava, CEO of Koel Labs, is revolutionizing language learning with machine learning and classic films. The discussion dives into how these movies enhance pronunciation for learners. They highlight inclusive tools for children with speech impairments, addressing biases in speech recognition. Insights from the Mozilla Builders Accelerator reveal the startup journey of blending technology with education. Aruna also shares innovative beta testing for their unique language-learning tool that’s transforming how we engage with languages.
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Founders' Early Coding Journeys
- Aruna got into programming in high school and majored in computer science with a focus on audio language models.
- Ruslan has tinkered with coding since middle school and loves the intersection of technology and language.
Bias in Speech Tech Models
- Standard speech models have biases against accented and dialect speech, leading to higher error rates.
- Building a platform for non-standard speech can create more inclusive language models.
Using IPA for Accent Feedback
- Koel Labs uses IPA phonemic transcriptions layered on movie content as ground truth for accent feedback.
- IPA accurately captures nuanced pronunciations unlike traditional English spelling.