\u201cAlexa, what exactly are you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Alexa is a virtual AI assistant owned by Amazon. She is voice-activated – like Siri for Apple devices, and can be used in conjunction with a number of third-party apps known as Alexa Skills.<\/p>\n
One of the challenges with learning English, outside of an English-speaking country, is the absence of someone to practise with. Speaking in particular is the hardest skill to do on your own – there\u2019s a limit to how much you can talk to yourself! At the risk of sounding like the plot<\/strong><\/em><\/span> of a Black Mirror episode, what if you could have English conversations with a virtual assistant?<\/p>\n This article will outline ways that Alexa, with the addition of some free Alexa Skills, can help you to practise and improve your English.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n First up, you can practise your speaking by asking Alexa a variety of questions and listening to her responses. You can ask her anything related to general knowledge, the news or even personal questions. But she might not answer the latter<\/strong><\/em><\/span> in the way you would expect!<\/p>\n Alexa can even define words in English for you, and can help you learn the correct pronunciation. To practise, just repeat after her, in the same way you would repeat new words after your teacher in the classroom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Alexa has had a few different identities over the years – and has had a number of famous voices. You might recognise Gordon Ramsey and Cardi B, in this superbowl commercial<\/a>:<\/p>\n1. Ask questions and practise pronunciation<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
2. Practise different accents<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n