Research

Research topics developed by the group


Description and modeling of prosody

By using diverse experimental settings we explore the relations between acoustic- and articulatory-prosodic parameters to describe the prosody of L1 and L2 speech. We have been using devices such as Resp Track (for capturing chest and belly expansions) and Marrys cap (for capturing jaw movement) in our investigations. Prosodic modelling is done mostly in the domains of rhythm and intonation couched in dynamical systems theory.

Phonetic description of Brazilian Portuguese

Acoustic and articulatory parameters are used to characterize the segmental and suprasegmental phonetic inventory of Brazilian Portuguese, covering aspects such as vowel and consonant production, voice quality, and the interaction between phonation and articulation across different speaker groups and regional varieties.

Prosody of speech pathologies and body changes

Acoustic- and articulatory-prosodic parameters in the dimensions of melody, timing, intensity and voice quality are used to describe atypical speech of some pathological conditions (Parkinson's disease, dysarthria).

Prosody of speaking styles

Acoustic- and articulatory-prosodic parameters in the dimensions of melody, timing, intensity and voice quality are used to describe the prosodic phonetics of Brazilian Portuguese in diverse speaking styles such as poetry declamation, speech of professionals of voice, the speech of teachers and journalists in radio and TV.

Prosody variability

Acoustic- and articulatory-prosodic parameters in the dimensions of melody, timing, intensity and voice quality are used to map the variability of prosody within and across speakers in different experimental settings.

Forensic prosody

Acoustic and articulatory-prosodic parameters in the dimensions of melody, timing, intensity and voice quality are used to describe the prosodic phonetics of Brazilian Portuguese in distinct forensic-simulated conditions.

L2 phonetics and prosody

Description and modelling of L2/FL phonetics (segments and prosody).

The prosody of emotions and attitudes

Description and modelling of emotional and attitudinal prosody in Brazilian Portuguese.

The prosody of synthetic speech

Studies of the prosody of synthetic speech in comparison with human speech.