Articulatory phonetics in the market: combining public engagement with ultrasound data collection

Abstract

This paper is a methodological contribution outlining an approach we have developed to recording ultrasound tongue imaging and audio research data as part of public engagement work. The paper is based on our experience of recording in East Lancashire, UK, at two such events as well as building on the work of other colleagues who have conducted similar projects. We have successfully managed to collect relevant articulatory research data while providing an interesting and enjoyable event for the public. In a context of stretched research budgets and researcher time constraints, this combination allows a time-effective combination of tasks, whilst democratizing academic work and engaging local communities. Our paper has two aims: (i) to describe the logistical and ethical considerations for organizing an event combining articulatory research and public engagement, and (ii) to provide methodological reflection on data collection and eventual data quality obtained including assessment of background noise. We hope to provide inspiration and suggestions for colleagues wishing to pursue research in this area and also acknowledge where some of our methods would benefit from more effective solutions. Sample documents for ethics, publicity, risk assessments, staff planning, timelines, and budgeting are included in our supplementary material toolkit available at https://osf.io/ky3cz/.