:Palatography:

Pronunciation GB: ˌpæləˈtɒɡrəfi, GA: ˌpæləˈtɑɡrəfi

A technique for determining patterns of tongue contact with the roof of the oral cavity during the production of speech sounds. Early versions of the technique involved spraying the roof of the mouth with a powder which would be wiped off by tongue contact. The roof of the mouth was then photographed. More recently a technique known as electropalatography has been used. This involves the manufacture of a false palate for a speaker. Electrodes are embedded in this palate which react to the contact of the tongue. Computer processing of the resulting signal enables a display of the changing pattern of contact over time.


Some more information on electropalatography can be found on this page.