Oral Reading Fluency Can Be Estimated Across Languages with Text-To-Speech Software

Abstract

Oral reading fluency (ORF) is a good index of the reading skill level, measured as the number of words read correctly per minute (WRPM). However, ORF tests are not available in many languages. This study tested if the mean of WRPM could be estimated in languages for which ORF tests have not been developed by using free text-to-speech software. Mean time taken by Google Translate (GT) to read out loud 10 texts in 16 languages from the International Reading Speed Texts was compared with the mean time taken by human participants. An English/Other languages ratio was obtained for both reading systems. Both ratios were highly similar, showing that GT is a valid tool to estimate mean WRPM in multiple languages.