Phonetic video visualization as a new tool for developing auditory-pronunciation skills in teaching Russian as a foreign language

Importance. The use of visual aids in the formation of phonetic skills in a foreign language is of great importance. Traditionally, the practice of developing auditory-pronunciation skills employs such types of visual materials as transcription, word rhythmic patterns, stress marks, intonation contour diagrams, and cross-sectional illustrations of the speech apparatus. This paper introduces a new form of visualization in this field – ultrasound recordings of the tongue during the articulation of Russian sounds in isolated positions and in open syllables with hard and soft consonants. This approach helps address the task of establishing hard-back and soft-front articulatory settings in foreign students. Materials and Methods. The creation of educational video materials on Russian phonetics utilized a tongue ultrasound machine, the Articulate Assistant Advanced tool for exporting sound synchronized with ultrasound frames, a questionnaire for recording speech material, and the licensed iSpring software for developing the algorithm of an electronic textbook and populating it with the corresponding video recordings and related tasks. Results and Discussion. As a result of the work carried out, a registered computer program, the electronic textbook on Russian phonetics “Phonetic Video Visualization”, has been created. The textbook was tested in groups of foreign students, while working with bachelor’s and master’s students of the Philological Faculty in the disciplines “Practical Phonetics” and “Practical Phonetics in the Context of Digital Humanities”, and during professional development courses “Teacher of Russian as a Foreign Language.” Conclusion. Visualizing the dynamic work of the speech apparatus through ultrasound video recordings of the tongue during sound production is an effective means of forming the foundationsof the language’s phonetic base. It allows for a clear representation of essential articulation moments for the target (Russian) language.