Event Details

In this 15-minute interactive activity you will see an ultrasound image of your tongue while you are speaking. Did you know there are eight different muscles in the tongue?! You will also have the opportunity to contribute to a research project about accent in Blackburn if you wish.

This activity is all about the local accent in Blackburn and what makes Blackburn a wonderful place! We will first explain about our speech research on Lancashire dialect using ultrasound and show you how the technology works. We will then record you speaking a few words and show you how the tongue dances up and down while we are speaking. After the activity, our researchers will explain why we are interested in speech in Blackburn and what aspects of accent we’re hoping to study. If you like, we can send you a video of your tongue after the activity.

This event is suitable for anyone who can hold their head still for a minute. Younger children are very welcome to come to listen and watch but it will be most suitable for 6+ years old. The ultrasound recording involves placing an ultrasound probe under the chin touching the skin. This might not be suitable for people who don’t like something touching their chin - all are welcome to watch and listen.