Skip to main content
Logo University of Évora Logo University of Évora
  • Logo EU-GREEN Logo EU-GREEN
  • PT
  • About
  • study
  • research
  • Innovation
  • internationalize
  • UÉvora experience
  • Service
  • Media
  • About
    • About
    • Mission
    • History
    • UÉ in Numbers
    • Organization
    • Quality
    • Inovação Pedagógica
    • EU GREEN Alliance
    • Prevenção de Riscos de Corrupção
    • Canal de Denúncia Interno
    • Canal de Denúncia de Casos de Assédio
    • Institutional Documents
    • Visual Corporate Identity
      • Visual Corporate Identity
      • Visual Corporate Identity (VCI-UÉ)
      • Visual Corporate Identity (VCI-UÉ Templates)
    • Places and Contacts
  • Study
    • Study
    • Matrículas 25/26 [CNA]
    • Schools and the IIFA
      • Schools and the IIFA
      • Institute for Research and Advanced Training (IIFA)
      • School of Arts (SA)
      • School of Health and Human Development (SHHD)
      • School of Science and Technology (SST)
      • School of Social Sciences (SSS)
      • S. João de Deus School of Nursing (SJDSN)
    • Courses
      • Courses
      • Bachelor’s and Integrated Master Degrees
      • Master Degrees
      • Doctoral Degrees
      • Postgraduate Degrees
      • PRR Incentive Courses
      • Preparation Course
      • Continuous Training Courses
      • Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs)
      • Standalone Curricular Units
    • Applying to UÉ
      • Applying to UÉ
      • Bachelor’s and Integrated Master Degrees
      • Master and Postgraduate Degrees
      • Doctoral Degrees
      • Microcredentials
      • Courses with Portuguese RRP Incentives
      • Application Deadlines
      • Academic Titles
      • Application Results
      • Test Results
    • International Students
    • Mobility
      • Mobility
      • Mobility Programmes
      • Mobility In
      • Mobility Out
      • Courses Blended Intensive Programme BIP
    • Financing and Support
      • Financing and Support
      • Scholarships & Social Support
      • Prizes and Scholarships
      • Student Support Programmes
      • Course Delegate
    • Students Ombudsman
    • UÉ Students
      • UÉ Students
      • Academic Services and Procedures
      • Academic Calendars
      • Extracurricular Modules
      • Free Optionals
      • Menus
      • Accommodation
      • Healthcare Services
      • University Sports
      • Student participation
      • Transportes
    • Public Exams
      • Public Exams
      • Master Exams
      • Doctoral Exams
      • Agregação Exams
      • Nursing Specialist Exams
    • Recognition of foreign higher education degrees and diplomas
      • Recognition of foreign higher education degrees and diplomas
      • Automatic Recognition
      • Level Recognition
      • Specific Recognition
      • Juries for the Recognition of Diplomas and Certificates - Approved
  • Research
    • Research
    • Institute for Research and Advanced Training (IIFA)
    • R&D Unit
    • Researchers
    • Research Infrastructures
    • Associated Laboratories
    • Collaborative Laboratories
    • Scientific Cooperation Networks
    • Doctoral Networks
    • Chairs
    • Science and Cooperation Services
    • Projects
    • Publications
    • Research Opportunities
      • Research Opportunities
      • Research Grants
      • Applications for Projects
      • Other Applications
    • Provas de Habilitação para o Exercício de Funções de Coordenação Científica
    • Doctoral Exams
  • Innovation Innovation, Co-operation and Entrepreneurship
    • Innovation Innovation, Co-operation and Entrepreneurship
    • Applied R&D
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Employability
      • Employability
      • Traineeships Available
      • Research Grants
    • Intellectual Property
      • Intellectual Property
      • Patents
    • Co-operation
      • Co-operation
      • International Co-operation
      • National Co-operation
      • Protocols with Benefits
    • Traineeships
    • Structural/Cross-cutting projects
    • DECPT
      • DECPT
      • Innovation, Cooperation and Entrepreneurship in Numbers
      • Opportunities
      • Schedule
      • TREZE Publication
    • PACT
  • Internationalize
    • Internationalize
    • Mobility Programmes
      • Mobility Programmes
      • International
      • Nationals
    • Erasmus+ Bilateral Agreements
    • International Collaboration Protocols
    • Mobility In
      • Mobility In
      • Student Mobility
      • Faculty and Staff Mobility
      • Mobility Scholarship Applications
      • Application Result
    • Mobility Out
      • Mobility Out
      • Student Mobility
      • Academic and non-Academic Staff Mobility
      • Application Result
    • BIP's - Blended Intensive Courses
    • Other Mobilities
      • Other Mobilities
      • International - researchers, post-docs, staff, students, and technical and managerial personnel.
      • National - researchers, post-docs, employees, students, and technical and managerial personnel.
    • EU GREEN Alliance
    • Other Activities
  • UÉvora experience
    • UÉvora experience
    • Getting to know UÉvora
      • Getting to know UÉvora
      • Virtual Fair
      • Uma semana com as Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias
    • Merit
      • Merit
      • Honorary Doctorates
      • Vergílio Ferreira Award
      • Alumni Career Award
    • Sustainability and Inclusion
      • Sustainability and Inclusion
      • InclUÉ
      • Office for Gender Equality and Inclusion
      • Programa de Saúde Mental
      • University of Évora Volunteering Program
      • Túlio Espanca Popular University
      • Sustainable University
      • Ubike
      • Community Outreach Psychology Department (SEC-Psi)
      • Sistema de Gestão de Conciliação
      • Sustainability Reports
    • Cultural and Scientific Dissemination
      • Cultural and Scientific Dissemination
      • UÉ Cultura
      • Estremoz Living Science Centre
      • Science and Art Mission
      • Phd Pub
      • European Researchers’ Night
      • Virtual Museum of Biodiversity
    • Community
      • Community
      • Alumni
      • Academic Association of the University of Évora
      • Academic Groups
      • University Pastoral Care
  • Service Catalogue
    • Service Catalogue
    • Water Laboratory (LAUE)
    • Laboratory of Mechanical Tests(LEM)
    • Veterinary Hospital
    • Visiting UÉvora
      • Visiting UÉvora
      • Colégio do Espírito Santo
      • Colégio dos Leões
      • Pisões Roman Villa
    • Rental Space
    • Restaurants and Catering
    • Language Centre of the School of Social Sciences (CLECS)
    • University Centre for DELF/DALF Exams
    • Language Certification - Exam Centre
    • Community Outreach Psychology Department (SEC-Psi)
    • ICT Competence Centre
    • Molina Store
  • Media
    • Media
    • Mulheres na Ciência
    • Revista Inverso
    • À Segunda
    • Podcast
    • News
    • Schedule
    • UÉ R&D | Research
    • Interview
    • Awards & Distinctions
    • Visual Corporate Identity
Research
  1. Home
  2. Research
  3. Projects
Research
  • Institute for Research and Advanced Training (IIFA)
  • R&D Unit
  • Researchers
  • Research Infrastructures
  • Associated Laboratories
  • Collaborative Laboratories
  • Scientific Cooperation Networks
  • Doctoral Networks
  • Chairs
  • Science and Cooperation Services
  • Projects
  • Publications
  • Research Opportunities var submenu_nav_item_selected = 4177;

    The Phonetics Laboratory: rethinking scientific centres and peripheries in the 20th century

    Cofinanciado por:
    Project Nº | FCT

    Acronym | PHONLAB
    Project title | The Phonetics Laboratory: rethinking scientific centres and peripheries in the 20th century
    Project Code | 2022.06811.PTDC
    Main objective | Reforçar a Investigação, o desenvolvimento tecnológico e a inovação

    Region of intervention | Portugal e Suécia

    Beneficiary entity |
    • Universidade de Évora(líder)
    • Stockholm University(parceiro)
    • Universidade de Coimbra(parceiro)

    Approval date | 27-07-2022
    Start date | 01-03-2023
    Date of the conclusion | 28-02-2026
    Date of extension | 28-02-2027

    Total eligible cost | 249993.35 €
    European Union financial support | - 0 €
    National/regional public financial support | 249993.35 €
    Apoio financeiro atribuído à Universidade de Évora | 191924 €

    Summary

    Speech recognition and synthesis technology is ubiquitous in today's society and Experimental Phonetics provides the basis for the development of these technologies. Speech control systems used in mobile phones, digital dictionaries, websites adapted for users with visual impairments and distance education are examples of new interfaces for communication between humans and machines developed thanks to essential work in the field of Experimental Phonetics. In addition to applications for language teaching, Experimental Phonetics involves the study of the neuronal, physiological and acoustic-articulatory processes involved in speech production, as well as the auditory, neuronal and psychological components of speech perception, thus laying the scientific foundations for current technological development. On the basis of this in-depth knowledge of processes of articulatory control, and the acquisition of the mother tongue in the first years of infancy, Experimental Phonetics also provides the foundations for the treatment of various types of speech impediments, as well as strategies for the rehabilitation of sufferers from aphasia. At the same time, the overriding importance of the discipline stands in stark contrast with the ignorance of its history at the international level. Unlike linguistics, which has a long historiographical tradition, the evolution of the understanding of the sounds of human speech has been assigned little importance by phoneticians and science historians, the evolution of its theories, techniques, instruments and institutions being virtually ignored, and many actors in the field forgotten. The aim of PHONLAB is to promote knowledge about the development of Experimental Phonetics, bringing the field into the mainstream of History of Science research. We will conduct a case study of the Coimbra Phonetics Laboratory (1936-1979). Created by Portuguese phonetician Armando de Lacerda (1902-1984), the laboratory attracted scientists from leading universities such as Harvard, Cambridge and the Sorbonne, who sought specialist training in the use of innovative laboratory research techniques, absent from other laboratories around the world. How is it that in a country regarded as being scientifically backward there was a laboratory with a reputation as the most advanced in Europe in the mid-20th century? What factors contributed to attracting scientists to the European periphery? How is it that it attracted researchers from the world's scientific centres? Who were the scientists who underwent specialist training in Experimental Phonetics at Coimbra? What research did they carry out there and how did it affect their careers? What impact did the work of the laboratory have on society? What influence did the innovative techniques and instruments used there have in the field? How far did the development of the polychromograph by Lacerda in 1932 contribute to current speech recognition and speech synthesis technology? The aim of PHONLAB is to contribute to increasing our knowledge of a crucially important but neglected global history topic. We seek to produce a biography of the laboratory, identifying and documenting methods, instruments and techniques, providing recognition for its actors and the scientific networks it was part of. The aim is thus to provide an understanding of the scientific and social impact of the laboratory at the global level. The relevance of this project also derives from the fact that numerous unique historical sources that document the work of this laboratory and portray the evolution of Experimental Phonetics throughout the 20th century are in a poor condition and may be lost. A range of documentary and material sources have been found at the University of Coimbra and a number of archives in Europe, the USA, South America, and Australia. Phoneticians who trained at the laboratory have been identified, and it is vital that their testimony be preserved. The analysis of these historical sources will enable us to understand the nature and impact of scientific practices at the laboratory, and could serve as the basis for a comparison with studies of other laboratories in this and other fields of knowledge. This project will contribute to the enhancement of a range of scientific sources that will later be made available to the public at museums and to the scientific community through publications and a digital Experimental Phonetics archive. By opening up new perspectives in the History of Experimental Phonetics in the 20th century, PHONLAB research will enrich historical narratives and contribute to the reassessment of traditional dichotomies such as that of the ?creative centre? versus the ?passive periphery?. Rediscovering early developments in the field of Experimental Phonetics may have a positive impact on our current understanding of Phonetics and potentially lead to new progress in the field.

    Goals, activities and expected/achieved results

    The aim of PHONLAB is to promote knowledge about the development of Experimental Phonetics, bringing the field into the mainstream of History of Science research. We conduct a case study of the Coimbra Phonetics Laboratory (1936-1979). In 2023 the PHONLAB project (2022.06811.PTDC) was recognised by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences [Armando de Lacerda: A pioneer of Experimental Phonetics - Kungl. Vetenskapsakademien (kva.se)](https://www.kva.se/en/event/armando-de-lacerda-a-pioneer-of-experimental-phonetics-2/). Two books have also been published: LOPES, Quintino (2023), The global periphery: Armando de Lacerda and the Coimbra Experimental Phonetics Laboratory (1936-1979), Stockholm: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Centre for History of Science. LOPES, Quintino; BRAUN, Angelika; ASHBY, Michael (eds.) (2023), Lacerda 120. Proceedings of the Fifth International Workshop on the History of Speech Communication Research, Dresden: Technische Universität Dresden Press. In terms of dissemination, we would highlight the RTP report, for which the PI and one of the project's consultants were interviewed: [https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/pais/real-academia-sueca-de-ciencias-homenageia-portugues-armando-de-lacerda_v1497253](https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/pais/real-academia-sueca-de-ciencias-homenageia-portugues-armando-de-lacerda_v1497253). Finally, the project was extended to China, where the PI was invited to present the results obtained at the University of Macau.
    Back
SIIUE - Integrated Information System of the University of Évora
GesDoc - Document Management System of the University of Évora
Academic Services (Online)
Moodle of University of Évora
RDPC - Digital Repository of Scientific Publications of the University of Évora
Bibliographic Catalog
Archives of University of Évora
Eduroam
B-On - Biblioteca do Conhecimento Online
Accreditations and Certifications
A3ES
Times Higher Educaiton
QS World University Rankings
Times Higher Education: Sustainability Impact Rankings
Concilia.UÉ
APCER NP 4552
University of Évora

Largo dos Colegiais, Nº 2
7004-516 Évora
phone: +351 266 740 800

other contacts
Academic Services

Rua Duques de Cadaval
7000-577 Évora
Online Servic
atendimento@sac.uevora.pt
phone: +351 266 760 220

Social Services

Largo Senhora da Natividade
7000-810 Évora
geral@sas.uevora.pt
phone: +351 266 760 960

Administrative Services

Largo Senhora da Natividade
7000-810 Évora
geral@sadm.uevora.pt
phone: +351 266 760 966

University of Évora © 2026
Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Accessibility Statement
Logo Fund MAR2020 Logo Fund PDR2020 Logo Fund FEADER Logo CGD
Logo Fund Compete2020 Logo Fund Portugal2020 Logo Fund FEDER
I Am
Section where you can select the access profile that best suits your situation.
UÉ Candidate
Training Offer, Knowing UÉ, Applications, Social Support and Useful Documentation
UÉ Student
School Calendar, Opportunities, Mobility Programs and Academic Activities
Lecturer and Researcher
R&D Units, Featured News, Research Projects, Activities under Development and Conferences
Alumnus
UÉ Family, Alumni Activities, Testimonials, Career Awards and Events of Interest
Company
Business Events, Submission of Traineeship and Job Offers, UÉ Services
I Want
Section where you can select a quick link, for an action you want to perform
Apply to UÉ
Enroll at UÉ
Meet the UÉ
Collaborate with UÉ
Do a Traineeship
Work in UÉ
View UÉ Schedule
Register Compliment, Suggestion or Complaint
Report a Complaint of Harassment or other

Política de Cookies

Este portal utiliza cookies para monitorização de acessos e para melhoria da experiência do utilizador.
Ao utilizar o portal, o utilizador toma conhecimento da nossa Política de Privacidade e consente a utilização de cookies.

Saber Mais