Sounds: The Pronunciation App

The starting point of this paper is the recent surge in using software and mobile applications to facilitate second language learning, especially pronunciation. One such application, as reviewed in this paper, is the McMillan’s pronunciation application, Sounds: The Pronunciation App. Developed upon Sound Foundations: Learning and Teaching Pronunciation (2012), a best-selling book by Adrian Underhill, it provides both learners and teachers with sound charts, audios, wordlists, and ample opportunities to practice pronunciation through some language skills, namely, listening, reading, and writing. In addition to suggesting the term Mobile Assisted Pronunciation Teaching (MAPT), this review paper attempts to have a critical look at Sounds, starting with a descriptive account of the app, followed by evaluation and empirical reports from some Iranian EFL instructors and learners. Its merits and demerits are enumerated and some suggestions are put forward to make the app more useful and educationally effective.