Innovációk és alkalmazások a magyar artikulációs fonetikában = Innovations and applications in Hungarian articulatory phonetics

Markó, Alexandra and Gráczi, Tekla Etelka (2026) Innovációk és alkalmazások a magyar artikulációs fonetikában = Innovations and applications in Hungarian articulatory phonetics. ALKALMAZOTT NYELVTUDOMÁNY, 2026 (KSZ). pp. 121-143. ISSN 1587-1061

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Abstract

The history of articulatory research in Hungary spans nearly 140 years, evolving from early manual observations to sophisticated digital imaging and machine learning applications. While the field has seen various productive periods and technical shifts, the second decade of the 21st century marked a significant turning point with the arrival of modern technical equipment and methodologies. This development allowed researchers to revisit foundational questions with greater precision and explore new frontiers in applied linguistics, education, and speech technology. The roots of Hungarian articulatory research date back to 1887, when József Balassa began using palatography to study the contact between the tongue and the palate. Over the 20th century, techniques such as X-ray cinematography (cineradiography) became popular for documenting speech sounds. Significant contributions were made through the creation of phonetic atlases, such as those by József Molnár (1969) and Kálmán Bolla (1980, 1995), which provided comprehensive articulatory and acoustic data for university education and research. Bolla also developed the “Universal Phonetic Standard”, a system of 24 monophthongs designed to facilitate reliable interlingual comparisons based on articulatory configurations and acoustic formants. A major challenge in public education is the mismatch between abstract textbook categories and students’ actual articulatory experiences. Research using Ultrasound Tongue Imaging (UTI) has shown that the movement of the tongue—often invisible from the outside—varies significantly by age and individual anatomy. For example, studies on children aged 11 to 14 revealed that while high vowels like /u/ and /i/ are distinct, mid-level vowels show much higher variability than textbooks suggest. Furthermore, the development of speech organs is uneven. Articulatory techniques have long been used to diagnose and treat speech disorders. Early studies by Mária Gósy (1982) used palatography to describe sibilant errors. Recently, researchers have applied direct palatography to study atypical swallowing (OMD), finding that irregular tongue placement during swallowing might correlate with speech sound errors. A breakthrough in modern therapy is the use of visual biofeedback. Tools like UTI allow patients to see their own tongue movements in real-time, providing a visual confirmation that helps them gain control over previously unconscious motor processes. One of the most promising areas for the near future is the development of Silent Speech Interfaces (SSI). This technology records the silent movements of articulatory organs—primarily the tongue—and uses machine learning to generate intelligible artificial speech. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who have lost their voice, such as patients who have undergone a laryngectomy. Current research is also exploring Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), which aim to synthesize speech directly from EEG-recorded brain signals. Articulatory research also extends to the arts, including emotional speech and singing. Iván Fónagy conducted extensive studies on how emotions like anger or hatred are reflected in increased muscle tension in the larynx and respiratory muscles. In the realm of music, Electromagnetic Articulography (EMA) has been used to study soprano singing. Research showed that as singers reach high pitches, they systematically increase their jaw opening and lower their tongue to optimize sound production, a strategy that often overrides the native articulatory patterns of their language. In conclusion, the shift from static categories to dynamic, individual-focused modeling defines the current era of Hungarian articulatory phonetics. By integrating modern tools like UTI and EMA with artificial intelligence, the field continues to provide vital contributions to both theoretical linguistics and practical societal needs.

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