Question

Here is a sketch of Mrs. Banerjee with her mouth missing. Choose the correct sequence of mouth shapes that represents her saying "STAND UP!". 

• A. 3, 2, 1, 2, 4, 5
• B. 4, 5, 2, 1, 3, 5
• C. 3, 2, 1, 2, 5, 4
• D. 3, 2, 5, 4, 1, 3

Hint:

For lip-reading or viseme questions, say the word or phrase out loud to yourself and pay attention to how your mouth moves. Categorize the shapes: open (A, E), rounded (O, U), closed (P, B, M), and neutral/parted (T, D, S). This will help you map the sounds to the images.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question requires matching a sequence of mouth shapes (visemes) to the phonemes (sounds) in the phrase "STAND UP!". We need to analyze the sounds in the phrase and find the corresponding visual representation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's break down the phrase into its key sounds and match them to the numbered mouth shapes.
- ST... (/s/ sound): The phrase starts with the hissing 's' sound. This is typically made with teeth close together and lips slightly parted. Shape 3 represents this well.
- ...T... (/t/ sound): Following 's', the 't' sound is made with the tongue against the teeth/palate, with the mouth slightly open. Shape 2 is a good representation of this neutral, slightly open mouth position.
- ...A... (/æ/ sound as in 'stand'): This vowel requires the mouth to be opened wide. Shape 1 is the most open mouth.
- ...N...D... (/n/ and /d/ sounds): These sounds are phonetically similar to 't' in terms of mouth shape. The mouth returns to a more neutral position from the wide 'a'. Shape 2 can represent both of these. - ...U... (/ sound as in 'up'): For the 'u' sound, the lips are typically rounded. Shape 4 clearly shows rounded lips.
- ...P! (/p/ sound): The phrase ends with a 'p' sound, which is a bilabial plosive. It is formed by pressing the lips together and then releasing them. Shape 5, a closed mouth, represents the moment the lips are pressed together.
Assembling the sequence:
S(3) - T(2) - A(1) - N/D(2) - U(4) - P(5)
This gives the sequence 3, 2, 1, 2, 4, 5.
This sequence matches option (A) perfectly. The other options do not follow the logical progression of sounds in the phrase "STAND UP!".
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct sequence of mouth shapes is 3, 2, 1, 2, 4, 5.