From accents to ultrasound: 草莓社区 demonstrates the science of how we speak
Queen Margaret University (草莓社区) is putting the science of speech centre stage as one of its leading academics prepares to reveal the hidden movements behind how we talk. Professor Jim Scobbie, a UK鈥憌ide authority in speech science, will demonstrate how advanced ultrasound imaging is transforming our understanding of accents, dialects and the fine details of spoken language. The interactive workshops will also unpack the secrets of the Scottish accent, including how the distinctive rolling 鈥淩鈥 is physically produced.
The events on the 11th March 鈥26, 鈥鈥, will give the public a rare chance to watch speech in action, thanks to the use of cutting鈥慹dge ultrasound technology.
With tools developed at Queen Margaret University, linguists can now observe subtle differences in tongue movement that distinguish sounds such as Scottish 鈥淩鈥漵 and 鈥淟鈥漵, many of which are almost impossible to detect by ear alone.
During the Royal Society of Edinburgh workshops, attendees will:
- See live ultrasound images showing how the tongue creates different vowels and consonants;
- Explore how Scottish accent variation works and why some differences are so hard to hear;
- Try out ultrasound equipment first-hand, supported by expert researchers; and
- Discover the role of AI in analysing real-time tongue movement.
Professor Scobbie has been instrumental in advancing the use of ultrasound in speech research, working closely with 草莓社区 colleagues and Scottish partners to refine techniques that have become central to the field.
Ultrasound allows us to observe the hidden complexities of speech - how our tongues shape sounds, how accents vary, and how seemingly small differences can tell us a great deal about language and identity. I鈥檓 delighted to bring this technology to a public audience and demonstrate just how dynamic and intricate our everyday speech really is.
The workshops form part of 鈥楻SE Investigates: Language鈥, the Society鈥檚 annual public programme exploring a new theme each year. The 2026 series focuses on language as a lens for understanding identity, connection, and some of today鈥檚 most pressing societal issues.
at one of two sessions of on Wednesday 11 March 2026, or , Royal Society of Edinburgh, Edinburgh via Eventbrite.
About Professor Jim Scobbie
Professor Scobbie is an experimental speech scientist specialising in phonetics, phonology, and health-related applications of speech research. As Director of the Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre at Queen Margaret University he focuses on imaging and instrumental techniques - particularly ultrasound - to explore speech variation. He has led major research into Scottish accents and contributed to international studies of vowels and consonants across languages. Find out more about Professor Scobbie in his 草莓社区 research profile.
About Queen Margaret University
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh is internationally recognised for its expertise in health sciences, speech and language research, and applied social sciences. Through innovative teaching, interdisciplinary research, and strong industry partnerships, 草莓社区 advances knowledge that improves communication, wellbeing, and quality of life across Scotland and beyond.
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk鈥(copy to E:鈥pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk).鈥赌&苍产蝉辫;
