Investigation of the effect of articulatory-based second language production learning on speech perception

International audienceThe effect of second language production training on perception has been previously explored, but it remains unclear whether such training by itself influences the perception of speech sounds. In previous work participants heard the correct pronunciation of the target while simultaneously undergoing production training, making it unclear what component of improvement was due to the production training alone. In the current study we have therefore modified our electromagnetic articulometer-based training system, which provides estimates of learner-specific head-corrected tongue positions for a target utterance in real time, to eliminate simultaneous presentation of audio stimuli. Japanese learners of the American English vowel /ae/ performed ABX perceptual testing on this vowel before and after the visually presented articulatory-based pronunciation training. We examined whether or not the production-driven pronunciation improvement also induces a change in the perception of the second language sounds

A real-time articulatory visual feedback approach with target presentation for second language pronunciation learning

International audienceArticulatory information can support learning or remediating pronunciation of a second language (L2). This paper describes an electromagnetic articulometer-based visual-feedback approach using an articulatory target presented in real-time to facilitate L2 pronunciation learning. This approach trains learners to adjust articulatory positions to match targets for a L2 vowel estimated from productions of vowels that overlap in both L1 and L2. Training of Japanese learners for the American English vowel /ae/ that included visual training improved its pronunciation regardless of whether audio training was also included. Articulatory visual feedback is shown to be an effective method for facilitating L2 pronunciation learning

Neural Network Model of Context-Dependent Neuronal Activity in Inferotemporal Cortex

Abstract — Neuronal activities related to context-dependent recall have been found in the monkey inferotemporal cortex. If we set the same task for an artificial neural network, however, a serious computational difficulty arises. In the present paper, we overcome this difficulty by implementing a novel method of contextual modulation, termed selective desensitization, and construct a neural network model that performs the same context-dependent memory task as that assigned to the monkey. The model, being consistent with the anatomical structure of the inferotemporal lobe, as well as with physiological findings, not only reproduces the empirical data well but also gives a clear account for a phenomenon that had not been explicable to date. This strongly suggests that the brain implements contextdependent recall based on the same principle as adopted in the model. I