Case Study: MandarinMaster achieves faster Chinese language learning with IBM Watson Speech to Text

MandarinMaster works with Pedab France and IBM to accelerate language acquisition with AI

MandarinMaster is an online Chinese-learning platform founded by Philippe Laurent to help beginners stay engaged and reach fluency, but it needed a way to validate pronunciation and make tone practice effective. The challenge was delivering immediate feedback at a cost that made sense for a startup. MandarinMaster worked with IBM and Pedab France, using IBM Watson Speech to Text to support its AI-enabled learning experience.

IBM helped Pedab integrate IBM Watson Speech to Text into the platform under an IBM Embedded Solution Agreement, creating a standalone solution that acts like a private pronunciation coach. The result was a launch-ready system that gives learners real-time feedback, improves tone validation, and keeps students progressing through daily lessons. According to MandarinMaster, the platform takes absolute beginners to C1 level in three years, with users speaking for about 80% of each lesson.

MandarinMaster

Philippe Laurent

Founder