​​​​Georgios P. Georgiou

The Phonetic Lab opened in 2023. It comprises a specialized facility with resources and equipment for the study and analysis of speech sounds, their production, and acoustic properties. It is  primarily used by researchers such as linguists, phoneticians, and speech-language pathologists to investigate various aspects of human speech and language. The Director of the Lab is Dr Georgios Georgiou, Assistant Professor of Linguistics. The lab is located in the Education Building of the University of Nicosia, room 305a, 3rd floor, and is affiliated with the Department of Languages and Literature.

 

Within the Phonetic Lab, researchers and experts have access to a wide array of tools and technologies tailored for in-depth investigations. The facility is outfitted with top-quality recording equipment, including high-fidelity microphones and digital recorders, ensuring the precise capture and storage of speech samples. Moreover, it provides a meticulously designed soundproof room that creates an environment conducive to high-quality speech recordings. Sophisticated analysis software are available to facilitate the examination and manipulation of recorded speech data.  The lab also provides dedicated experimental setups for conducting research in speech perception, phonemic categorization, and related areas. These setups encompass computer-based experiments, eye-tracking systems, and other specialized equipment, facilitating a deeper understanding of how speech is perceived and processed.

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The establishment of the Phonetic Lab at the University of Nicosia brings forth a multitude of benefits:
 

• Industry Collaboration: We forge partnerships with speech technology companies and language learning platforms, opening doors to joint research projects, internships, and potential employment opportunities. Such collaborations also attract funding from industry sources, fueling innovation and practical applications.

• Multidisciplinary Research: By fostering connections with other university departments and research centers, we stimulate interdisciplinary collaboration. This approach enables us to explore innovative projects that integrate phonetics with psychology, computer science, neuroscience, and more. As a result, our lab’s impact and visibility expands across diverse fields.

• Student Involvement: We are committed to involving undergraduate and graduate students actively in research projects conducted within the Phonetic Lab. Through hands-on experiences in data collection, analysis, and publication preparation, students gain valuable research skills and foster a passion for academic pursuits.

• Community Outreach: Our lab organizes workshops, seminars, and public lectures to engage the local community, schools, and language professionals. By hosting public demonstrations of our equipment and techniques, we promote a broader understanding and appreciation of phonetics research among the general public.

• International Collaboration: Seeking collaborations with esteemed phonetics labs and scholars from international universities, we foster global partnerships. Joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and hosting international conferences enhance the lab's reputation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and attract talented researchers and students worldwide.

• Open Data and Resources: Embracing an open approach, we share anonymized speech data, analysis tools, and software developed within the lab with the wider academic community. This encourages collaboration, maximizes the impact of our work, and promotes reproducibility and transparency in research.

• Alumni Engagement: Nurturing a strong bond with our former students who have conducted research in the lab, we establish an alumni network and organize events to share their experiences, success stories, and career paths. This engagement enhances the lab's reputation and contributes to our fundraising efforts.