2021 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
The efficacy of physical training techniques used in sports to develop muscle memory for foreign language pronunciation
| Project/Area Number |
20K00826
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| Research Institution | Akita University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
松本 奈緒 秋田大学, 教育文化学部, 准教授 (30364699)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
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| Keywords | pronunciation / articulation / vowels / muscle memory / training |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
We have acquired research materials and equipment in preparation for the time when we can safely commence data gathering, but have been disappointed by the time it has taken for the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. However, the delay has given us an opportunity to focus more time on background research and preparing equipment and systems to ensure a smooth start to the experimental phase. COVID-19 restrictions seem to be easing as the majority of the population have now been vaccinated, and so we expect to be able to commence recruitment of subjects and then begin the experimental phase this year.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
4: Progress in research has been delayed.
Reason
This research project requires the researchers to be in close proximity with subjects and the use of masks would make it impossible to observe and demonstrate the articulation of vowels. Due to these important safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to delay the start of the experimental phase of this project until it could be carried out in a safe manner. We have also been required to teach classes online, which has made it difficult to meet with student subjects in-person for recruitment and for training and observing their articulation of vowels.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
As soon as we can ensure a safe environment for ourselves and our subjects, we plan to commence the experimental phase. The period of data gathering will probably need to be shorter than intended in order to make up for lost time. COVID-19 restrictions seem to be easing, so in the next couple of weeks we intend to begin recruiting 5 or 6 subjects of varying levels of English ability from among the student body and commence the experimental phase.
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| Causes of Carryover |
Due to COVID-19 restrictions we were not able to travel to attend conferences as planned. We also have had to delay recruiting subjects and so have delayed using those funds to compensate them for their time.
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