Julia Howe
Class of 2026San Francisco, California
About
Hello! My name is Julia, and I'm interested in exploring how music can enhance language learning.Projects
- "I will use Praat to examine the improved linguistic tonal accuracy of beginner and intermediate high school Mandarin students after undergoing a version of Tone-Rhythmic Therapy (TRT) adapted for instructional/classroom use." with mentor Colette (Working project)
- "How does the incorporation of music improve tonal language-learning?" with mentor Erica (Feb. 9, 2024)
Project Portfolio
I will use Praat to examine the improved linguistic tonal accuracy of beginner and intermediate high school Mandarin students after undergoing a version of Tone-Rhythmic Therapy (TRT) adapted for instructional/classroom use.
Started Mar. 27, 2024
Abstract or project description
I will be leading a 4-6 week adapted TRT program aimed at a group (roughly 10-15 maximum) of high school intermediate/beginner Mandarin learners. The goal is to observe potential enhancements in Mandarin tone perception and production skills. Throughout the duration of the program, participants will engage in 3-4 virtual training sessions each week, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes.
To gauge the effectiveness of the training, I will utilize Praat software, which allows for a detailed analysis of pitch deviation from the expected contour in participants' Mandarin speech.
Before commencing the TRT program, participants will undergo a series of pre-tests designed to assess various factors that could influence their tone perception and production abilities. These pre-tests will likely include evaluations of pitch perception, prior musical experience, exposure to tonal languages, and other relevant linguistic and cognitive factors.
Project Portfolio
How does the incorporation of music improve tonal language-learning?
Started May 22, 2023
Abstract or project description
Tonal languages pose challenges for non-native learners due to their reliance on pitch variations. Music, with its inherent tonal variations, has been proposed to enhance tonal language learning by facilitating the perception and production of pitch contours. This could potentially overcome the tonal-language barrier and allow learners to perceive tonal language in a musical way. Here, through the examination of recent studies, this review investigates the effects of music-assisted language learning, specifically for tonal language learning, encompassing areas of tonal perception and production. The findings provide insights into the potential benefits of integrating music into tonal language learning environments and the best practices for doing so.