From accents to ultrasound: QMU demonstrates the science of how we speak
Queen Margaret University (QMU) 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‑wide 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 “R” is physically produced.
The events on the 11th March ‘26, ‘Seeing How Our Sounds Are Really Made’, will give the public a rare chance to watch speech in action, thanks to the use of cutting‑edge ultrasound technology.
With tools developed at Queen Margaret University, linguists can now observe subtle differences in tongue movement that distinguish sounds such as Scottish “R”s and “L”s, 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 QMU 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’m 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 ‘RSE Investigates: Language’, the Society’s 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’s most pressing societal issues.
Book your place at one of two sessions of Seeing How Our Sounds Are Really Made on Wednesday 11 March 2026, 12.15pm – 1.45pm or 6pm – 7.30pm, 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 QMU 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, QMU 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 (copy to E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk).
