Correcting pronunciation in a foreign language, using ultrasound sonography.

本研究旨在探讨在外语教学中运用超声技术进行语音教学的有效方法。本研究的主要目的之一是通过舌动图像的视觉信息来引导正确发音的正确纠正。我们进行了以下六个实验：假设以[ae]， [r], [l]， [t]为音素开头的英语单词，日本英语学习者（大学生）能够正确发音，超声成像训练是有效的。结果：(1)前测：日语学习者发现目标单词发音困难。(2)使用超声和两台摄像机，通过观察超声图像和确认舌头的位置和运动，受试者能够修复他们的表现。[类型2]假设针对有浊音和无浊音的辅音，利用超声进行音频训练是有效的。结果：日语学习者在教学干预的作用下，能够成功地纠正自己的发音。数据显示，坚持超声波和两个张嘴/闭嘴的摄像机会导致正确的发音方式可能是合理的。未来发展方向：建议在外语课堂中，学习者应使用超声来改善其发音。此外，在不久的将来，将对每个受试者的头部运动引起的每张图片的运动进行校正编程。

This research aims to investigate the effective instructional approach to the pronunciation in foreign language teaching, using ultrasound sonography. One of the main objectives in the current investigation is that such visual information of tongue movement images will lead to the proper correction of correct pronunciation. A lot of six experiments have been conducted as follows;[type 1] It is assumed that such English words starting the phonemes[ae], [r], [l], [t], which Japanese learners of English(university students) will be pronounced correctly, and the training using ultrasound imaging will be effective.Results :(1) pre-test : Japanese leaners found it difficult to pronounce the target words.(2) Using ultrasound sonography and two video cameras, the subjects were able to repair their performance, by looking at ultrasound images and confirming the tongue position and movements.[type 2] It is assumed that with voiced and voiceless consonants targeted, audio training will be effective using ultrasound sonography.Stimuli : coat-goat, curl-girl, etc.Results : Japanese learners were successful in modifying their pronunciation, owing to the instructional intervention. The data showed that it may be plausible to insist that ultrasound sonography and two video cameras of mouth opening/closing will lead to correct ways of pronunciation.Future directions : It may be suggested that in foreign language classrooms, learners should use ultrasound sonography in order to improve their pronunciation. Further, the programming of correcting the movement of each picture caused by head movements of each subject will be made in the near future.