UROP Project
The role of speech motor skill in learning the pronunciation of an Indigenous language
second language acquisition; individual differences; phonetics; phonology; pronunciation
Research Mentor: Matthew Patience,
Department, College, Affiliation: Modern Languages and Linguistics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mpatience@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Modern Languages and Linguistics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mpatience@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors.
Preference for linguistics or language majors, but this is not a requirement by any means.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6-8, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors.
Preference for linguistics or language majors, but this is not a requirement by any means.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6-8, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Wednesday, September 3
Start Time: 2:30
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/5634041279 - Day: Friday, September 5
Start Time: 12:30
End Time: 1:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/5634041279
Project Description
This project investigates the acquisition of the pronunciation of a Indigenonus language, and to what extent differences in each individuals' speech motor skill (i.e., their general articualtory ability) plays a role. The participants completed various speech motor skill tasks, as well as pronuciation tasks in the indigenous language. RAs will analyze the data from the speech motor skill tasks (performed in English), so we can determine if this influences the pronunciation ability of the indigenous language. RAs do not need to speak the indigenous language, and will mostly be analyzing work in English (but wil potentially analyze the indigenous pronunciation as well)Research Tasks: data analysis; data visualization; data interpretation (depending on interest)
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: There are no required skills.
Recommended: some experience with excel or working with numbers; experience learning a foreign language.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring approach is grounded in mutual respect, intentional support, and a commitment to the growth of each mentee. I begin by identifying individual goals, recognizing that every mentee brings unique aspirations, strengths, and challenges. This understanding allows me to tailor guidance that is both meaningful and professionally relevant.I aim to create an inquiry-driven learning environment where questions are valued as much as answers. I believe that intellectual curiosity, when paired with thoughtful challenge, promotes growth. I encourage mentees to take ownership of their work, cultivating accountability and confidence in their abilities.
Regular meetings serve as touchpoints for reflection, feedback, and problem-solving. These conversations are opportunities to celebrate progress, address obstacles, and refine goals. I see mentoring as a dynamic, evolving relationship – one in which both mentor and mentee are engaged in ongoing learning.
Ultimately, my role as a mentor is to empower mentees to develop skills and confidence that will help them be successful in their chosen fields.