Presentation

Ultrasound Technology and Its Role in Cantonese Pronunciation Teaching and Learning

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Abstract

Over a decade of research has shown how using ultrasound imaging for biovisual feedback of tongue movement can help improve language learners’ pronunciation. However, ultrasound can be challenging to implement in a classroom context, as it is typically best with small groups and requires specialized training. One possible solution is the use of ultrasound overlay videos, in which mid-sagittal ultrasound videos of tongue movements in speech are overlaid on videos of an external view of a speaker’s head to create videos in which the movements of the face and the tongue are viewed simultaneously. In this paper, we report on a study investigating the use of ultrasound overlay videos as a pronunciation learning tool in Cantonese language classes. Using a blended learning paradigm, half of the students interacted with the videos online to learn about two challenging sets of sounds: unreleased final stops and low central vowels, while half interacted with audio-only media under otherwise identical conditions. Results show that students who received the ultrasound-based training performed better in perception and production tasks.

How to Cite:

Bliss, H., Cheng, L., Schellenburg, M., Lam, Z., Pai, R. & Gick, B., (2016) “Ultrasound Technology and Its Role in Cantonese Pronunciation Teaching and Learning”, Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Proceedings 8(1).