About us
Speech Lab Groningen, led by prof. dr. Martijn Wieling, is a research group at the University of Groningen (Faculty of Arts). The lab uses state-of-the-art technological, acoustic, and articulatory methods for investigating speech production variation and developing speech technology. The equipment of the lab includes several electromagnetic articulography devices, an ultrasound tongue imaging device, a Nvidia GH200 server, and a Temi robot. We also have access to the unique mobile laboratory SPRAAKLAB. In terms of research focus, we mainly investigate language variation (and technology benefitting regional languages) as well as disordered speech.
Team
Martijn Wieling
Group leader
Katharina Polsterer
PhD candidate
Alexander Martin
Affiliate Member
Teja Rebernik
Affiliated founding member
Recent publications
Articulatory–kinematic changes in speech following surgical treatment for oral or oropharyngeal cancer: A systematic review
Abstract
Treatment for oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (O&OSCC) often leads to problems with speech articulation. Articulatory–kinematic data may be especially informative in designing new therapeutic approaches for individuals treated for these tumours.To provide a systematic review of the literature assessing the articulatory–kinematic consequences of oral and oropharyngeal cancer treatment.Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycInfo) were used to identify studies that used kinematic methods to characterize the speech of individuals treated for O&OSCC. Risk of bias was assessed using the critical appraisal checklist from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data were synthesized using the Synthesis Without Meta‐Analysis guidelines.In total, 29 studies with a total of 197 individuals treated for O&OSCC were …
SPRAAKLAB-mobile laboratory for speech recorded acoustically and kinematically
Abstract
Data collection in experimental linguistics is frequently conducted in laboratory rooms within a research institute, which can be difficult to reach for some participants, for example, those with mobility issues or living further away and in remote areas. This article presents SPRAAKLAB, a mobile laboratory that facilitates the collection of high-quality acoustic and articulatory data outside of university walls, thus bringing the laboratory environment closer to the participants. We present an acoustic analysis of recordings collected inside and outside of the SPRAAKLAB, including transmission loss, signal-to-noise ratio, and harmonics-to-noise ratio. All three measures reveal that the SPRAAKLAB is suitable for collecting consistent, high-quality speech data even in loud environments. Finally, we discuss how the SPRAAKLAB allows us to collect data more easily and facilitates public outreach activities.
Using electromagnetic articulography to investigate tongue, lip and jaw tremor associated with Parkinson’s disease
Abstract
Tremor in Parkinson’s disease is most frequently studied in the limbs, even though it also occurs in the vocal tract. In the current study, we assessed the presence of tongue, lip and jaw tremor in 34 individuals with Parkinson’s disease (IwPD) and 25 controls (CS). We used electromagnetic articulography sensors attached to the tongue, the lips, and the jaw to measure orolingual tremor while the participants were performing a series of tasks. Additionally, we acoustically measured frequency and amplitude tremor of the voice in a sustained phonation task. Our findings revealed that IwPD showed significantly more tongue, lip, and jaw tremor than CS. Kinematic tremor frequency and RMS amplitude did not differ between IwPD and CS. We found no group difference in voice tremor prevalence or frequency in our acoustic analysis. While intensity and power indices seemed stronger in IwPD compared to CS, these …
Speech waves: determining functionally-relevant neural oscillations for vocal tremor
Abstract
Neural oscillations are essential for effective movement patterns, and abnormalities can be observed in motor disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). While tremors in arms and legs in PD can be minimized via dopaminergic medication, vocal tremor can occur frequently and does not benefit from dopaminergic medication. Vocal tremor can cause major difficulties in communication and there is a need to identify effective therapeutic interventions.
Determining functionally relevant neural oscillations for vocal tremor
Abstract
Determining functionally relevant neural oscillations for vocal tremor – the University of
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functionally relevant neural oscillations for vocal tremor Defne Abur, Miles Wischnewski
Computational Linguistics (CL) Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › Academic
Overview Original language English Publication status Published – 2025 Event 6th International
Brain Stimulation Conference – , Japan Duration: 23-Feb-2025 → 26-Feb-2025 Conference
Conference 6th International Brain Stimulation Conference Country/Territory Japan Period 23/02/…
Outreach
Our board game Streektaalstrijd has launched and after selling out the first edition in only two weeks, the new edition can be purchased at the online shop of the University of Groningen. More information about this board game (in Dutch) can be found via the board game’s website www.streektaalstrijd.nl. The launch was covered by various news media, including the Dutch national newspaper De Volkskrant.
About
Speech Lab Groningen, led by prof. dr. Martijn Wieling, is a research group at the University of Groningen (Faculty of Arts).
Links
Contact
+ 31 6 10015021
m.b.wieling@rug.nl
Groningen, The Netherlands
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