Shipaton 2025 - Day 43 - Text to Speech for Audio Coverage

The Power of Text to Speech in Language Learning

As technology marches forward, the way we learn languages evolves too. One of the coolest innovations is text to speech (TTS), which can transform the way we engage with new languages. Today, I took on my Android app that combined TTS with Lithuanian vocabulary learning, and the results were absolutely fascinating.

Integrating TTS into Learning Lithuanian

On day 43 of my Shipathon 2025, I decided to experiment with Android’s text to speech functionality. The goal? To make learning Lithuanian smoother and more interactive. First, I integrated TTS into the vocabulary flow of the app. Sounds simple, right? Well, creating a seamless experience took a bit of trial and error, but it was totally worth it!

Smart Fallbacks for a Consistent Experience

One of the key features I added to improve user experience was a smart fallback system. If a word had been pre-recorded as an MP3, the app would use that audio file first. However, if the word wasn’t recorded yet, it would auto-generate TTS audio instead. This hybrid approach meant every word could have instant audio assistance - perfect for users who want quick feedback while learning.

Moreover, I unified the audio playback path, ensuring that users would have a consistent experience regardless of how the audio was generated. This smooth integration reduced hiccups and made sessions feel less disjointed.

Improved Learning Experience

The results were fantastic! Now, every word in my Learn Lithuanian Android app has instant audio support. If an MP3 exists, it'll play, if not, TTS takes over. This not only quickens the pace of learning but also helps retain information better. Users can listen to pronunciation as they study, making it easier to mimic sounds and intonation patterns, essential for language mastery.

With TTS technology, learners can dive into the language without the lag of waiting for recordings to be made. Plus, it allows for faster iteration in application development. Instead of getting caught up in logistics, I can focus on enhancing the learning experience further.