Ultrasound imaging to study and facilitate second language learning
In collaboration with experts in speech sciences and language didactics, the Health Information Processing Laboratory (LATIS) aims to develop tools to study and facilitate the process by which second language learners develop the new articulatory gestures (in particular, tongue movements) required to produce the sounds of this new language over time. The tools developed will ultrasound to acquire images of the tongue in motion.
Several projects at the doctoral and master's level will soon be offered by the LATIS in this context. Funding will be offered for doctoral or master's thesis projects. The projects will involve the acquisition and analysis of ultrasound images of the vocal tract (tongue and palate) as well as the analysis of audio recordings of speech. They will aim to (1) develop models to characterize the shape and movement of the tongue from information extracted from ultrasound images, (2) develop methods to characterize the evolution of articulatory gestures as the pronunciation of new sounds is learned; (3) develop methods of time alignment of audio signals that will allow the objective comparison of articulatory data; (4) develop different methods of visual feedback based on the visualization of the flow of ultrasound images (with or without augmented reality) by the learner in order to assess their impact on learning.
Required knowledge
The LATIS is looking for students who are curious and motivated by interdisciplinary research to carry out these projects. Students with an IT/Engineering profile should have a high level of programming skill. Knowledge or experience in image processing and/or computer vision and/or signal processing would be important assets. Applications demonstrating a linguistic/speech sciences/language didactics profile will also be considered; in this case, knowledge of phonetics (speech production and perception) and quantitative methods are required. Basic programming skills (e.g. Python or MATLAB) and knowledge of the Praat software would be assets.
The LATIS is a welcoming and inclusive research environment whose success depends, among other things, on the diversity of its members. Thus, applications from women, indigenous people, people belonging to visible minorities, people with disabilities or representing neurodiversity, people of all origins and of all sexual orientations are highly encouraged.
Applications must include an up-to-date curriculum vitae, all university transcripts to date and a sample of written work in French, English or Spanish (e.g. a scientific article, an internship or graduation project report, etc.).