Modular Control of Speech

Project Overview 

The human body constructs separate subsystems, sometimes referred to as modules, that function as individual body-based devices. Each module is activated by a group of muscles trained to work together to achieve a specific task, such as smiling or lip closure. These independent modules can output low-level memorized routines that no longer require conscious control. They facilitate the execution of higher-level tasks that require intentional planning and explain how humans are able to control high-dimensional bodies with low-dimensional control systems. Human speech is a uniquely complex motor behaviour, making it an ideal area of research for investigating modular control in motor movement. This branch of research at ISRL seeks to provide insight into the control of speech movement and corresponding neural organization through investigating speech motor modules.

Publications / Conferences

Chiu, C., Gick, B. (2021) Auditory startle disrupts speech production. Concentric: Studies in Linguistics, 47(2): 167-183.

Mayer, C., Chiu, C., & Gick, B. (2021) Biomechanical simulation of lip compression and spreading. Proceedings of Acoustics Week in Canada. Canadian Acoustics. 49(3): 38-39.

Gick, B., Mayer, C., Chiu, C., Widing, E., Roewer-Després, F., Fels, S., & Stavness, I. (2020). Quantal biomechanical effects in speech postures of the lips. Journal of Neurophysiology, 124(3), 833-843.

Purnomo, G., Mellesmoen, G., Shamei, A., & Gick, B. (2019). Production study of Spanish spirantization in naturalistic speech. Canadian Acoustics, 47(3), 90-91.

Goyal, H., Saha, P., Gick, B., Fels, S. EEG-to-F0: Establishing artificial neuro-muscular pathway for kinematics-based fundamental frequency control. Proceedings of Acoustics Week in Canada. Canadian Acoustics 47(3), 112-113. 2019.

Gick, B. How bodies talk. In S. Calhoun, P. Escudero, M. Tabain & P. Warren (eds.) Proceedings of the 19th International Congress of Phonetic Sciences, Melbourne, Australia (pp. 20-24). Canberra, Australia: Australasian Speech Science and Technology Assoc. Inc. 2019.

Gick, B., Schellenberg, M., Stavness, I. and Taylor, R. Articulatory Phonetics. In W. F. Katz & P. Assmann (eds.). The Routledge Handbook of Phonetics. Ch 5. New York: Taylor & Francis. 2019.