Ultrasonic examination of the tongue shape changes in the process of articulation of vowels

This paper presents results of ultrasonic examination of changes in tongue shape during the
process of articulation of vowels by people (without pronunciation disorders). The position of
the tongue while pronouncing a definite vowel and the influence of individual anatomical
differences upon the tongue shape were examined. Results are presented as ultrasonograms
obtained in the B- and TM-type presentations. The TM mode enables, among others, determining
the amplitude of deflection of a point on the tongue surface during articulation that is
the most change-prone at a given distance from the hyoid bone. Obtained results were used for
design and construction of a tongue phantom and a mechanical setup to control the phantom
shape. The proposed tongue phantom is crucial element of a natural tongue motions simulator
during articulation that can be used as a major tool in therapy of deaf people, people with
hearing and pronunciation disorders.