Modeling and Understanding L2 English Pronunciation
About
A dissertation by Wenwei Dong on how L2 learner data and neural models can assess, support and explain L2 English pronunciation and perception. It takes place at Radboud University, Nijmegen, on 16 November 2026 at 16:30.
What to expect
The dissertation examines how data from non-native (L2) learners, together with neural models, can be used to assess, support and explain L2 English pronunciation and perception.
- Algorithms for automatic pronunciation assessment
- Tracking and measuring L2 pronunciation development
- Neural models for L2 perception training
- Segmental and suprasegmental features
- How human raters judge accentedness and comprehensibility
FAQ
How can I find more information?
The Radboud University event page has the details: ru.nl
Who organizes it?
The Faculty of Arts is the organizer.
What topics does the research cover?
Three key areas:
Developing algorithms for automatic pronunciation assessment
Tracking and measuring L2 pronunciation development
Investigating neural models for L2 perception training
Who is Wenwei Dong?
Wenwei Dong was born in Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, China, in 1994.
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (cum laude), Beijing Language and Culture University, 2016
Master's degree in Software Engineering, same university, 2020
Research intern at the Center for Speech and Language Technologies at Tsinghua University
Senior Speech Algorithm Engineer at Youdao (NetEase), Beijing
Moved to Nijmegen in 2022 for his PhD, funded by the China Scholarship Council, at the Centre for Language Studies at Radboud University
Getting there
Radboud Universiteit, Houtlaan 4, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, Gelderland, NL
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