Speech and language processing examines language from two distinct perspectives. Speech processing deals with the science of spoken communication, how speech is encoded by the speaker and decoded by the listener. It is also concerned with the processing techniques used to model speech in ways that can potentially be implemented in technology, such as speech synthesis. Speech science is at the intersection of many disciplines: acoustics, linguistics, engineering, psychology, anatomy and physiology, and is key to the understanding of disordered speech.

 

Language processing, in parallel, involves computational aspects of linguistics. It addresses theories of grammar and meaning, and provides access to the fundamentals of linguistics, both as a science and as an engineering discipline. As an engineering discipline it is concerned with technology applications and tools that exploit linguistic knowledge, such as predictive text, automated personal assistants, web search etc.

 

The M.Phil. in Speech and Language Processing programme offers an elite, tailor-made programme, flexible design shaped by your interests in Linguistics; small class size, taught by experts; and a wide choice of elective modules each year.

 

Is This Course For Me?

Our students come from many backgrounds. Some have a background in language study, some have an interest in clinical speech and language analysis, some have a background in psychology, computer science or engineering. In general, they are people who are analytical (they may be interested in how dialects differ, they may love crossword puzzles or find legal reasoning entertaining) and wish to know more about what makes human language work.