Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has served as a valuable tool for studying static postures in speech production. Now, recent improvements in temporal resolution are making it possible to examine the dynamics of vocal-tract shaping during fluent speech using MRI. The present study uses spiral k-space acquisitions with a low flip-angle gradient echo pulse sequence on a conventional GE Signa 1.5-T CV/i scanner. This strategy allows for acquisition rates of 8–9 images per second and reconstruction rates of 20–24 images per second, making veridical movies of speech production now possible. Segmental durations, positions, and interarticulator timing can all be quantitatively evaluated. Data show clear real-time movements of the lips, tongue, and velum. Sample movies and data analysis strategies are presented.

Date

2004

Authors

Shrikanth Narayanan, Krishna Nayak, Sungbok Lee, Abhinav Sethy, Dani Byrd

Journal

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America

Volume

115

Issue

4

Pages

1771-1776

Publisher

Acoustical Society of America