Project Mentor
Professor Jennifer Scapetis Tycer
Department: Dramatic Arts
Research Project Overview:
Singing into Accents is an ongoing research project into describing intonation patterns of various accents and dialects in spoken English with a view to creating more comprehensive accent training for actors. The project relies on recruiting key concepts from music theory and applying them to describing intonation patterns. Intonation patterns are less discussed in accent/dialect training materials than other features such as speech sound substitutions, and this project hopes to address that.
Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:
Much of this research relies upon analyzing spoken sound samples through software that can map the frequencies of human speech. Identifying frequencies at key points in a spoken phrase and recording these frequencies in a spreadsheet is a key part of the apprenticeship. Contributing to a literature review and transcribing audio recordings may also be included.
Apprentices will receive training and experience in key linguistic concepts such as separating speech into intonational phrases and their component parts and reading spectograms, plus some basic music theory concepts and use of PRAAT software. Experience locating and summarizing key related publications may also be included.
Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:
- Virtual meetings can be arranged at a mutually convenient regular time, somewhere in the window of 9.30am-3.30pm Mon-Fri
- Students are free to make their own independent work hours, with the stipulation that the number of hours to be done each week is reasonably regular and pre-planned. This will help with workflow throughout the summer.
- I would like the span of work to be from the beginning of June to Mid-August. There is enough flexibility to plan for weeks off, starting later or finishing earlier, as long as the timeline and workload is still realistic.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Coursework or experience in any/all of phonetics, accents, syntax, music
- Strong computer skills
- Good reading skills and attention to detail
- Enthusiastic, motivated and well organised
- Interest in Linguistics and/or Performance
To Apply:
The application deadline has passed.
Please note:
All students hired for a SHARE Summer apprenticeship must complete a federal I-9 form and present original documents in person to OUR staff as part of the hiring process. Visit this U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services page for more information about acceptable documents. You cannot begin working until this is complete. Students are encouraged to plan ahead for this. For example, if you are going home for spring break, consider bringing documents back to campus with you.