LINGUIST List 8.1531

Sun Oct 26 1997

Jobs: Speech Synthesis, Interpersonal Communications

Editor for this issue: Martin Jacobsen <martylinguistlist.org>

Directory

  • Caroline Smith, Jobs in Speech Synthesis
  • Christian Kjaer Nelson, Interpersonal Communications at Purdue

    Message 1: Jobs in Speech Synthesis

     Date: Sat, 25 Oct 1997 09:13:28 -0400 (EDT)
    From: Caroline Smith <cls25cornell.edu>
    Subject: Jobs in Speech Synthesis


    POSITIONS IN MULTI-LANGUAGE AND MULTI-DIALECT SPEECH SYNTHESIS BY RULE

    Eloquent Technology, Inc. anticipates having several positions available in multi-language and multi-dialect text-to-speech synthesis. In particular, we seek linguists able to help in our development of synthesis rules for the following languages:

    - BRAZILIAN PORTUGUESE - FRENCH (Parisian and Canadian) - GERMAN - ITALIAN - SPANISH (Mexican and Castilian)

    We are looking for linguists at all levels of experience, with an in-depth knowledge of the phonology/phonetics of at least one of the above languages. Computer programming experience and native or near-native fluency in one or more of the languages are highly desirable. Candidates should have particular expertise in one of the following areas:

    - analysis or modelling of intonation - text-to-phoneme conversion - formant synthesis - acoustic phonetics - signal processing

    A bachelor's degree is essential, and higher degrees are required for some positions.

    Eloquent Technology, Inc. (ETI) is a small text-to-speech company in Ithaca, New York, home of Cornell University and in the midst of the beautiful Fingerlakes region. ETI presently has fifteen employees, including eight linguists and three computer scientists. ETI's main product is ETI-Eloquence, a text-to-speech program presently available for General American English, with versions for Spanish, French, German, Italian, and British English to be released this year. A demo version of ETI-Eloquence is available upon request.

    ETI uses a linguistically oriented approach to text-to-speech synthesis. Our synthesis rule programs are developed with the Delta System, a sophisticated software tool consisting of a special programming language and interactive environment designed for expressing phonological and phonetic rules that operate on multi-tiered utterance representations called "deltas". A delta consists of user-defined "streams" (hence the name "delta") of coordinated units, such as intonational phrases, syllables, words, phonemes, acoustic parameter values, and durations. From the final delta for an utterance, parameter values are generated for a formant-based speech synthesizer. Delta provides sophisticated formalisms for pattern-matching (testing) against multi-stream deltas and manipulating them. Acoustic values can be modified interactively, and the effects of the modifications listened to.

    The rules underlying ETI-Eloquence are based on a number of novel phonological and phonetic models developed by Hertz and her collaborators at both Cornell University and ETI. Descriptions of some of these models can be found in various publications that can be mailed to you upon request. See also ETI's web page at www.eloq.com.

    If you are interested, please send a detailed resume and cover letter by e-mail to:

    hertzeloq.com

    or send fax copies to:

    607-266-7030

    There is no deadline for applications. ETI will consider applicants until all positions are filled.



    Caroline Smith Eloquent Technology, Inc.

    Message 2: Interpersonal Communications at Purdue

     Date: Sat, 25 Oct 1997 17:03:48 -0400
    From: Christian Kjaer Nelson <cnelsoncomm.umass.edu>
    Subject: Interpersonal Communications at Purdue


    PURDUE UNIVERSITY has an opening for a faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor (Ph.D. required), tenure track, salary competitive. Teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels, active research and/or creative programs, and direction of graduate students expected. Begin August 1998.

    Position descriptions: Expertise in interpersonal communication with opportunities to teach and do research in analysis of language, conversation, and discourse in natural settings.

    Send application materials (including curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and samples of research) to Chair, Search Committee, Department of Communication, Purdue University, 1366 Liberal Arts and Education Building 2114, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1366. Formal evaluation of candidates will begin on November 24, 1997, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

    Christian Nelson

    Dr. Christian K. Nelson Communication Department, Machmer Hall Box 34815 University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003-4815 USA 413/545-6345 cnelsoncomm.umass.edu