Fàilte! We are researchers at Lancaster University who are investigating how different tongue shapes are used in the production of Gaelic speech sounds.
We are using ultrasound to image the tongue while people are speaking. This technique allows us to see what is happening inside the mouth in an non-intrusive manner. The technology is exactly the same as the ultrasound used in pregnancy scans, but the ultrasound probe is placed under the chin to allow a view of the surface of the tongue.
Using ultrasound, we can provide a description of how Gaelic sounds are produced. This information is important for teaching Gaelic and for Speech Therapy with Gaelic speakers, as well as documenting the language.
Would you like to take part?
We are looking for fluent Gaelic speakers aged 15 and upwards to help with our recordings. We will ask you to read a list of common Gaelic words aloud while an ultrasound probe is placed under your chin. The probe is held in place using a headset. We will make ultrasound recordings of how your tongue moves and also also record your speech using a microphone.
We will be recording in Stornoway from 27th October until 3rd November. You can book an appointment at the Bridge Centre using this link or email c.nance@lancaster.ac.uk to organise at a different convenient time. Bridge Centre recordings take place upstairs in the small meeting room.
Recording should take no longer than 40 minutes. As a thank you for taking part in the project we will give you a £10 Amazon voucher for your time.
Our research is funded by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Lancaster University. We are Lecturers in Phonetics in the Department of Linguistics and English Language at Lancaster. You can find full details of our Ethics procedure for this project here.
Project team members
Dr Claire Nance is a Lecturer in Phonetics at Lancaster University, who specialises in the study of Gaelic.
Dr Sam Kirkham is also a Lecturer in Phonetics at Lancaster University, who specialises in bilingualism and phonetic methods such as ultrasound.