Child speech and language in various communication settings – implications for automated language sample analysis

• Applicants: Dr. Hanna Ehlert; Professor Dr.-Ing. Jörn Ostermann
• Subject Area: Applied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics ; Methods in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 566108150

This project focuses on differences of child speech and language in various communication settings and their consequences for automated language sample analysis using speech technology. Since artificial intelligence (AI)-based automation—in contrast to current practices in standardized developmental testing or language sample analysis—will enable the evaluation of more natural child speech and language in assessment and research, we investigate the interface of recording context, automation and analysis from the interdisciplinary perspectives of Speech Language Therapy and Information Science. Thereby, we build a knowledgebase to utilize speech technology in an informed manner as a prerequisite to unfold its potential in supporting language sample analysis in child developmental research and clinical assessment.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants