Ultrasound tongue imaging

Ultrasound tongue imaging (UTI) uses ultrasound to form images of tongues. It has been used for speech production and linguistics research since it came into regular clinical use in the 1960s and 1970s.^[1]

Technique

It is a non-invasive technique that allows researchers to view the shape, position and movements of the tongue (from root to apex) in real time during speech.^[2]

History

UTI became popular in phonetics laboratories as ultrasound units become more portable and affordable.^[1] The Ultrafest conference assembles researchers that employ UTI. Locations have included the University of Potsdam (2017), University of Hong Kong (2015), Queen Margaret University (2013), Haskins Laboratories (2010 and 2002), New York University (2007), University of Arizona (2005), University of British Columbia (2004).^[3]

Applications

Uuses of UTI include:

• phonetics research
• speech-language pathology /therapy ^[4][5]
• second language acquisition
• phonetics and speech and language therapy/pathology training^[6]