A toolkit to aid in learning the sounds of the French language, a process and system for creating these tools, and a learning method implementing this kit.

Abstract

A kit of tools to aid in learning the sounds of the French language, designed to be applied to the vocal tract of a human subject, each tool comprising a functional part arranged at the end of a handle and shaped to make contact with a given place of articulation from among a plurality of predetermined places of articulation within the vocal tract and to constrain one or more organs of said vocal tract in a determined spatial configuration, each of said tools being associated with a set of consonants. See Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Kit of tools to aid in learning the sounds of the French language, method and system for implementing these tools, and learning method using this kit. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool kit for learning the sounds of the French language. It also relates to a method and system for producing these tools, as well as a learning method implementing this kit.

[0002] The field of the invention is that of speech therapy and language learning. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] There have long been tools to help learn a language, designated under the term language guide and called in the English-speaking world "speech buddies".

[0004] These tools were initially designed to articulate sounds in English and have only one function on the language. They are only suitable for the articulation of certain sounds. They only include certain consonants of the English language: R, Ch, SH, S, L, and do not deal with the sounds of the French language: B, D, F, J, K, M, N, P, Q, T, V, X and Z, nor with the sounds / g / , / w / or vowels.

[0005] Furthermore, these tools are not suitable for teaching the sounds of the French language, whether spoken or written, for oral or written language rehabilitation (delay, disorder), for learning the letters of the alphabet, for treating frequently encountered visual and auditory confusions, for aphasia, for assisting in speech development, or for teaching lip reading in French. Moreover, state-of-the-art tools do not allow for the treatment of illiteracy or functional illiteracy.

[0006] US patent 2014 / 0220520 Al discloses intraoral speech-guide devices (speech buddies) equipped with a component emitting a feedback signal representative of a patient's pronunciation during sound production; this feedback can be used for learning and improving pronunciation accuracy.

[0007] US patent 2016 / 0163227 discloses tongue-guiding devices that provide tactile feedback by placing nodes in the patient's oral cavity at points corresponding to the appropriate tongue position required to produce a target sound.

[0008] These tongue-guiding devices only have an action on certain muscles of the patient's tongue.

[0009] We can also mention the language guides developed by Ms. Borel-Maisonny for the rehabilitation of isolated articulation disorders. This state of the art is notably disclosed in the book "Method of rehabilitation of isolated articulation disorders with the language guides of S. Borel-Maisonny" written by Christiane Langel, published by Editions Jaquet in 2007 (ISBN: 978-2-914696-10-4 (br)).

[0010] It turns out that these language guides are not suitable for learning sounds, in particular for learning the sounds of the French language, as well as for treating visual and auditory confusions frequently encountered in children, for education in the sounds of the French language orally and in writing, for the rehabilitation of oral or written language (delay, disorder), or for the treatment of aphasia, the aid of demuting or the learning of lip reading in French, and more broadly the treatment of language disorders of neurological or neurodegenerative origin.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to remedy the disadvantages and limitations of existing language guide devices, by proposing a new concept of tools to aid in learning the French language. Description of the invention

[0012] This objective is achieved with a kit to aid in learning the sounds of the French language providing not only the functions of a language guide but also an aid in the placement of the lips and phonatory organs of a patient.

[0013] A kit of tools for learning the sounds of the French language is thus proposed, designed to be applied to the vocal tract of a human subject. Each of these tools comprises a functional part disposed at the end of a handle and shaped to make contact with a given place of articulation from among a plurality of predetermined places of articulation within the vocal tract and to constrain one or more organs of said vocal tract in a determined spatial configuration. Each of said tools is associated with a set of consonants. The learning aid method according to the invention also allows for the mastery of vowels and therefore has its own alphabet.

[0014] The kit according to the invention may advantageously include all or part of the following tools: - a first tool whose functional part is shaped to be placed in contact with the bilabial articulation point of the human subject's vocal apparatus and to maintain a predetermined distance between the lips of said human subject, - a second tool whose functional part is shaped to be brought into contact with the apico-dental articulation point of the phonatory apparatus of the human subject, and has a rounded shape adapted to be placed behind the upper teeth and receive the tongue of the human subject. - a third tool whose functional part is shaped to be placed in contact with the dorso-palatal articulation point of the human subject's vocal apparatus, and has a U-shaped form adapted to be placed under the tongue and to raise the tip of said tongue onto the back of the human subject's palate, - a fourth tool whose functional part is shaped to be placed in contact with the labio-dental articulation point of the human subject's vocal apparatus, and has a fork shape adapted to be placed at the level of the human subject's labial commissures, - a fifth tool whose functional part is shaped to be placed in contact with the dorso-velar articulation point of the human vocal apparatus, and has an offset end adapted to be placed on the front part of the tongue while keeping the rear part mobile, and - a sixth tool whose functional part is shaped to be brought into contact with the apico-alveolar articulation site of the phonatory apparatus of the human subject.

[0015] Unlike "speech buddies" which only have a function on the tongue, the tools according to the invention have a function on the tongue but also on the lips, more generally encompassing the phonatory organs.

[0016] Furthermore, it should be noted that the tools according to the invention can be adapted for languages ​​other than French, in particular, by way of non-limiting example, for English, Spanish and Italian.

[0017] The tools according to the invention can be used for the treatment of language disorders of neurological or neurodegenerative origin, in particular on post-stroke patients, traumatic brain injury patients or Parkinson's patients.

[0018] The tools according to the invention act more generally on the muscles of the lips and tongue, unlike "speech buddies" which only have an action on certain muscles of the tongue.

[0019] At least one of the tools may advantageously include, as part of its functional component, a removable tip in relation to a handle. This handle may be designed to vibrate.

[0020] The tips constituting the functional parts can be textured. They can also be modular, for example made from a plastic material which transforms when heated.

[0021] Tools according to the invention can also be provided which can be temperature regulated and become hot or cold to train and improve sensitivity.

[0022] The tools according to the invention can be made with a predetermined number of sizes. By way of non-limiting example, a size 1 can be provided for children and a size 2 for adults, these sizes being determined according to an average articulatory measurement calculated for children and adults.

[0023] The tools according to the invention can be made using different techniques, such as injection molding or 3D printing.

[0024] The materials used to manufacture the tools according to the invention can be very varied, depending on the manufacturing technique adopted. By way of non-limiting example, these materials can be stainless steels or plastics.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for producing a kit of tools to aid in learning sounds of the French language according to the invention, comprising the following steps: - Acquisition of a 3D representation of the vocal tract of a human subject, using an optical imager, - calculation, from the 3D representation of the vocal tract, of the spatial configuration of specific places of articulation associated with sets of consonants / vowels, - for each tool associated with one of the aforementioned points of articulation, - calculation of a suitable digital form of a functional part of said tool, based on the calculated spatial configuration of said articulation point, - physical realization of said functional part by 3D printing.

[0026] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a system is proposed for producing a kit (1) of tools to aid in learning sounds of the French language, for implementing the manufacturing process according to the invention, comprising: - optical imaging equipment for acquiring a 3D representation of the vocal tract of a human subject, - means to calculate: - from the 3D representation of the vocal tract, a spatial configuration of specific places of articulation associated with sets of consonants / vowels, - a digitally adapted form of a tip for one or more assistive tools, based on the calculated spatial configuration of the articulation point(s) associated with said one or more tools - 3D printing means to manufacture the aid tool(s), from the digital tip shape(s) thus calculated.

[0027] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for assisting in learning the sounds of the French language is proposed, implementing a tool kit according to the invention.

[0028] The tools for assisting in learning the sounds of the French language orally and in writing according to the invention are associated with a method of education and re-education of the sounds of the French language (oral and written) and comprehensively include neuromotor assistance for learning all the consonants and consonantal sounds of the French language.

[0029] These tools according to the invention physically constrain the tongue to assume the desired position, rather than simply guiding it. They can also be used to treat childhood swallowing disorders, dysphagia, or to assist in lip-reading instruction for deaf, hard-of-hearing individuals or the general public.

[0030] The neuromotor constraint produced by the tool according to the invention on the phonatory organs makes it possible to facilitate the learning or relearning of the sounds of the French language for the people who use it.

[0031] The tools for learning the sounds of the French language according to the invention, which, thanks to the kinesthetic constraint they exert on the speech muscles, help to correctly position the phonatory organs according to the desired sound.

[0032] These tools also make it easier to anchor the gesture in procedural memory. They also allow learners to gain a deeper understanding of how to produce different sounds.

[0033] Since each articulation point corresponds to a tool, it was therefore necessary to measure the sizes and locations of the different articulation points in order to take these measurements to create the aid tools according to the invention.

[0034] It is also possible to provide for the tools according to the invention a child size (T1) and an adult size (T2), with dimensional characteristics determined by calculating the average of the articulatory places of children and adults attending a speech therapy practice.

[0035] In another embodiment, the tools according to the invention can be designed to be adjustable according to the oral morphology of the subject, for example by making them with a plastic material that is malleable when heated and hardens when cooled to have even more precision. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] - [Fig.1A] [Fig.1B] [Fig.lC] [Fig.1D] [Fig. lE] [Fig.1F] Figures IA to 1F provide an overview of a first example of the realization of a tool kit to aid in learning the sounds of the French language according to the invention; - [Fig.2] Figures 2A to 2E illustrate five learning aids according to the invention and their use in the phonatory apparatus of a human subject; - [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of a phonatory apparatus in which the consonants are represented, as well as the places of articulation; - [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] represents digital images of a tip design for the first Pabama tool; - [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] represents an example of a 3D printed version of the Pabama tip from [Fig. 4]; and - [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] schematically illustrates an example of the implementation of a method for making tools according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Example of how to create a tool kit

[0037] A kit of tools to aid in learning the sounds of the French language includes, with reference to figures 1 and 2, a set of six tools each dedicated to a set of sounds.

[0038] We will now describe, with reference to figures IA to 1F and figures 3A to 3E, examples of the realization of each of these tools, along with their use.

[0039] The Pabama 110 tool is used to help the lips position themselves correctly when learning the / pbm / sound by lip contact, as illustrated in Figures IA and 2A. The Pabama tool corresponds to the bilabial articulation point 101. The tool 110 is placed on the lower lip. It is then touched with the upper lip. It is also possible to place this tool on the upper lip or between the lips when the mouth is closed if the first technique has not been sufficient.

[0040] Two sizes are offered for the Pabama tool:

[0041] Size 1 - the pabama tip currently works with the following measurements: 3.2 cm long by 3 mm high and 3 mm thick

[0042] Tolerance:

[0043] Length: from 0.1 cm up to 6 cm long

[0044] Height: from 0.5 mm to 1.5 cm

[0045] Thickness: from 0.5 mm to 1.5 cm

[0046] Size 2 - the pabama tip currently works with the following measurements: 4 cm long by 4 mm high and 3 mm thick

[0047] Tolerance:

[0048] Length: from 0.1 cm up to 6 cm long

[0049] Height: from 0.5 mm to 1.5 cm

[0050] Thickness: from 1 mm to 1.5 cm

[0051] The Tadanalal20 tool, shown in [Fig.1B] relates to the learning of the sounds tdnsz, as illustrated in Figure 2B. This tool corresponds to the apico-dental articulation point 103. It is placed just behind the upper teeth 103. The tongue 102 slides into the rounded end of the tip. Tolerance calculation tools «#Tadanala#»#:

[0052] Size 1 - The tadanala tip currently operates with the following measurements: 12 mm in length (6 + 6 mm in height) and 4 mm in thickness

[0053] Tolerances:

[0054] Length: from 3 mm to 20 mm

[0055] Thickness: from 1 mm to 1 cm

[0056] Size 2 - The Tadanala tip currently operates with the following measurements: 18 mm in length (10 + 8 mm) by 4 mm in thickness

[0057] Tolerances:

[0058] Length: from 3 mm to 30 mm

[0059] Thickness: from 1mm to 10mm

[0060] The Chaja 130 tool, shown in [Fig. 1C], relates to learning the sounds ch-j, as illustrated in Figure 2C. The Chaja 130 tool corresponds to the dorso-palatal place of articulation 104, or "pre-palatal" according to some articulation models, which do not have the same degree of precision or the same names. The tool 130 is placed under the tongue 105, allowing the tip of the tongue to be raised behind the palate.

[0061] Size 1 - The Chaja tip currently works with the following measurements: 1.4 cm long, 1.2 cm high, 2 mm thick.

[0062] Tolerances:

[0063] Length: from 0 mm to 20 mm

[0064] Height: from 0.3 mm to 20 mm

[0065] Thickness: from 0.1 mm to 10 mm

[0066] Size 2 - The Chaja tip currently operates with the following measurements: 1.5 cm long, 1.6 cm high, 2 mm thick

[0067] Length: from 0 mm to 25 mm

[0068] Height: from 0.3 to 25 mm

[0069] Thickness: from 0.1 mm to 10 mm

[0070] The Fava 140 tool, shown in [Fig. 1D], is used to teach the sounds fv, as illustrated in Figure 2D. It corresponds to the labiodental articulation point. The two prongs 141, 142 of the tool 140 are positioned at the labial commissures 106, 107 of the lower lip. By lowering the upper lip 108, the person is asked to touch the tool 140 while allowing air to pass through the center of the lips. It is also possible to place this tool on the upper lips or between the lips when the mouth is closed if the first technique has not been sufficient. Tolerance calculation tool "#Fava#"#:

[0071] Size 1: The Fava tip currently operates with the following measurements: 3.4 cm in length, 2.6 cm in height, 2 mm in thickness

[0072] Tolerances:

[0073] Length: from 25 mm to 45 mm

[0074] Height: from 0 mm to infinity (say 10 cm)

[0075] Thickness: from 0.1 mm to 1.5 cm

[0076] Size 2: The Fava tip currently works with the following measurements: 4.25 cm in length, 2.6 cm in height, 2 mm in thickness.

[0077] Tolerances:

[0078] Length: from 30 mm to 60 mm (6 cm)

[0079] Height: from 0 mm to infinity (say 10 cm)

[0080] Thickness: from 0.1 mm to 1.5 cm

[0081] The Kagara 150 tool, shown in [Fig. 1E], is used for learning the sounds kgr, as illustrated in Figure 2E. The Kagara 150 tool corresponds to the "dorso-velar" place of articulation 109. The 150 tool is placed on the first part of the tongue, leaving only its rear part mobile.

[0082] Tolerance calculation tool “kagara”:

[0083] Size 1: The kagara tool currently operates with the following measurements: Length 0.8 cm + 1.8 cm (total of 2.6 cm), thickness 2 mm

[0084] Tolerances:

[0085] Length: from 5 mm to 4 cm

[0086] Thickness: from 0.1 mm to 2 cm

[0087] Size 2: The kagara tool currently operates with the following measurements: Length of 0.8 cm + 2.25 cm (total of 3.05 cm), thickness of 2 mm.

[0088] Tolerances:

[0089] Length: from 3 mm to 5 cm

[0090] Thickness: from 0.1 mm to 2 cm.

[0091] The Saza 160 tool, shown in [Fig.1F], processes the sounds "s" and "z" corresponding to the apico-alveolar place of articulation.

[0092] Calculation of tolerance using "Saza" tools:

[0093] Size 1 - The Saza tip currently works with the following measurements: 1.1 cm in length, 0.5 cm in height, 3 mm in thickness.

[0094] Tolerances:

[0095] Length: from 1 mm to 20 mm

[0096] Height: from 1 mm to 15 mm

[0097] Thickness: from 0.1 mm to 9 mm

[0098] Size 2 - The Saza tip currently works with the following measurements: 1.5 cm in length, 0.8 cm in height, 4 mm in thickness.

[0099] Tolerances:

[0100] Length: from 1 mm to 25 mm

[0101] Height: from 1 mm to 20 mm

[0102] Thickness: from 0.1 mm to 10 mm

[0103] In order to create the learning aid tools according to the invention, it is necessary to precisely identify the points of contact with the air passing through the mouth when pronouncing a phoneme.

[0104] A vowel triangle of consonants has been specifically designed to provide theoretical support for the present invention. The cross-sectional diagrams in Figures 3 locate all the vowels (3a) and consonants (3b) in the mouth within the vocal tract 100. The diagram in Figure 3b shows five places of articulation, each associated with a specific aid: - The bilabial articulation point 101 - The apico-dental articulation point 103 - The dorso-palatal place of articulation 104 - The labiodental articulation point 111 - The dorso-velar articulation point 109

[0105] We thus have the association of the sounds produced by the vowels with the association of the sounds produced by the consonants, and the determination of the places of impact of the breath during phonation for these sounds. Example of the implementation of the "#Pabama#" tool

[0106] We will now describe an example of implementation of the "Pabama" tool for learning the / b / sound.

[0107] After presenting the diagram and the Pabama tongue guide, the latter is initially positioned on the lower lip and the person is asked to touch the device with their upper lip in a rapid movement, while gently blowing through their mouth. If this does not work, the subject is asked to close their lips and the Pabama tool is slid between them.

[0108] He is then asked to emit logatomes, defined as meaningless sequences of sounds or syllables, used to test the intelligibility of a speaker's pronunciation, followed by sentences and texts containing the sound / b / .

[0109] By way of non-limiting example, the following sequence may be used in order of acquisition: 1. Sounds (isolated); 2. Syllables; 3. Non-words (or logatomes) - allowing training and automation of the assembly process; 4. Words - enabling training and automation of the addressing path; 5. Sentences.

[0110] Then the person is asked to produce logatomes, phrases and texts presenting risks of confusion between the sound / b / and the sound / d / .

[0111] The tools can be used alone or in combination with the exercises. They can be used simply for touch or sensitization, resensitization, and desensitization, but also for raising awareness of the coordination and positions of the muscles of the vocal apparatus, or for muscular constraint. The resistance you apply to the tool will influence its function.

[0112] These aid tools according to the invention can be made of USP class IV biomedical plastic. They can therefore be in contact with mucous membranes for several consecutive minutes without any health consequences.

[0113] In a particular embodiment, the learning aids according to the invention are made with an objective of ergonomics and comfort in the mouth.

[0114] In a particular embodiment of the invention, each tool in the kit may include a dedicated tip that screws onto a single handle, which may be surgical or non-surgical. Several sizes may be provided for the tips. Measurements may also be provided for each tool in modeled child and adult sizes, with tolerances.

[0115] Example of implementation of the manufacturing process for an aid tool kit

[0116] The dedicated tips can be designed using a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software tool, as illustrated in [Fig. 4] in the example of a Pabama tool, and manufactured by 3D printing, with reference to [Fig. 5]. Each tool tip can be screwed onto a surgical-type handle or fitted into a surgical-type handle.

[0117] We will now describe, with reference to [Fig.6], an example of the implementation of a manufacturing process for a tool kit according to the invention, together with the manufacturing system implementing this process.

[0118] This manufacturing system S includes an optical imager 2, for example of the laser scanning type, a computer 3 intended to receive the imaging data produced by the imager 2 and calculate customized shapes adapted to the specific morphology of the person for each of the assistive tools, and a 3D printer 4 intended to receive from the computer 3 the customized digital shapes of the tips and produce the corresponding tips.

[0119] In a first step, a practitioner uses an optical imager 2 to perform a 3D acquisition of the vocal tract 100 of a patient or learner. The acquired 3D data is transmitted to a computer 3 which is programmed to locate the five places of articulation in the 3D model of the vocal tract and calculate the mouthpiece shapes morphologically adapted to the actual vocal tract.

[0120] In a second step, the computer 3 transmits manufacturing data for each of the five tools 11-15 to a 3D printer 4. The practitioner can thus obtain a kit 1 containing a set 10 of customized tips that can be coupled to a surgical-type handle 2. The use of customized tools should provide an operational advantage for assisting in the learning of French language sounds.

[0121] The process just described for the production of five tools can easily be transposed for the production of six tools, or even a higher number of tools.

[0122] Learning and rehabilitation software for the implementation of a tool kit

[0123] The tool kit according to the invention is implemented in a learning and rehabilitation method implemented in the form of software which is designed to allow speech therapists and learners to have an exhaustive base of exercises relating to the learning of speech and written language, and also to allow them to better understand the use of the tools and optimize their effectiveness through a method and protocols of oral and written language including several thousand exercises.

[0124] These learning exercises are developed in two ways: - spoken language: functions for displaying, generating and repeating sounds or words, - Written language: reading and writing, incorporating a flash reading system to promote good memorization and automation of information.

[0125] They allow: - to ensure step-by-step monitoring of language acquisition and to serve as a basis for education and rehabilitation using the tools according to the invention, - to integrate artificial intelligence techniques so that patients can be corrected in real time, without the intervention of the specialist.

[0126] Artificial intelligence makes it possible to process and identify potential delays and disorders in learners, providing a pre-diagnostic function and redirection to a healthcare professional when necessary.

[0127] A report is issued after each session if the patient wishes to take stock of their progress and remaining achievements, and can be accessed by parents or patients via their email.

[0128] In addition, a protocol for using the software can be provided for the purpose of learning lip reading, but also for intraoral sensory desensitization or resensitization following facial paralysis, an oral disorder, due to sensory deficiencies, or in cases of atypical or infantile swallowing.

[0129] Sharing a remote exercise via videoconference is possible for speech therapists who conduct teleconsultations or in the event of a pandemic.

[0130] With this software, parents of learners can resume the exercises at home, and speech therapists can become prescribers of the learning and rehabilitation method according to the invention, and patients can consider acquiring the tools according to the invention and accessing the exercises at home by subscription.

[0131] The software is capable of assessing the learner's level and identifying their existing knowledge and areas for further learning. Once the assessment results are obtained, the learner can use the software to continue their learning (education or rehabilitation). The software can also be used independently, without any learning functions.

[0132] The exercises are presented to the learner according to the chosen modality: oral language, reading, or writing. It is possible to correct the exercises oneself (as a tutor / professional) or to let the artificial intelligence analyze the learner's answers and determine whether they are correct or not.

[0133] Example of the structure of the learning and rehabilitation method

[0134] Learning follows a natural logic of acquisition: first isolated sounds, then syllables, non-words (or logatomes), words and sentences.

[0135] Once the sound has been mastered in isolation, it is possible to work, using the software associated with the tools according to the invention, on sounds in opposition, particularly in the context of confusions, in order to promote the mastery and automation of confusions frequently encountered in learning the French language: the b / d confusion, the p / b confusion, the t / d confusion, the p / q confusion, the s / ch confusion, the s / z confusion, the j / z confusion, the ch / j confusion, the k / g confusion, the f / v confusion, the m / n confusion.

[0136] The software associated with the tools according to the invention also makes it possible to understand and train contextual rules (with a view to automation): - The contextual rule of the letter "g"; - The contextual rule of the letter "c"; - The contextual rule for the letter "s".

[0137] Also, the software ultimately allows for working with irregular words (the exceptions of the French language).

[0138] This software is developed on an evolving platform dedicated to learning and can be complemented by other packages (software), allowing training in the prerequisites for learning the French language (sustained attention, divided attention, auditory attention, visual attention, observation, memorization, comprehension, and).

[0139] It is important to note that the learning and rehabilitation method according to the invention also allows for the processing of the sounds W, GN and -LLE (for example: fille) as well as all vowels. Therefore, a complete alphabet exists for this method.

[0140] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described and many other embodiments can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. System (S) for producing a kit (1) of tools for learning the sounds of a language, said kit being intended to be applied to the vocal tract (100) of a human subject, each of these tools (110, 120, 130, 140, 150) comprising a functional part (11-15) disposed at the end of a handle (20) and shaped to make contact with a given place of articulation among a plurality of predetermined places of articulation (101, 103, 104, 109, 111) within the vocal tract (100) and to constrain one or more organs of said vocal tract (100) in a determined spatial configuration, each of said tools (110, 120, 130, 140, 150) being associated with a set of consonants, said system comprising: - optical imaging means (2) to acquire a 3D representation of the vocal tract (100) of a human subject, - means to calculate: - from the 3D representation of the vocal tract,a spatial configuration of specific places of articulation associated with sets of consonants / vowels, - a suitable digital form of a functional part (11,12,13,14,15) for one or more assistive tools, based on the calculated spatial configuration of the place(s) of articulation associated with said one or more tools - 3D printing means to manufacture the assistive tool(s), based on the digital form(s) of the functional part thus calculated.

2. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is intended to make a tool kit (1) comprising a first tool (110) whose functional part (11) is shaped to be brought into contact with the bilabial articulation site of the phonatory apparatus (100) of the human subject and to maintain a predetermined gap between the lips of said human subject.

3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is further provided for making a tool kit (1) comprising a second tool (120) whose functional part (12) is shaped to be brought into contact with the apico-dental articulation site of the phonatory apparatus (100) of the human subject, and has a rounded shape adapted to be placed behind the upper teeth and to receive the tongue of the human subject.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is further provided to make a tool kit (1) comprising a third tool (130) the functional part of which (13) is shaped to be brought into contact with the dorso-palatal articulation site of the phonatory apparatus (100) of the human subject, and has a U-shaped form adapted to be placed under the tongue and to raise the tip of said tongue on the back of the palate of the human subject.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is further provided to make a tool kit (1) comprising a fourth tool (140) the functional part of which (14) is shaped to be made in contact with the labio-dental articulation site of the phonatory apparatus (100) of the human subject, and has a fork shape adapted to be placed at the level of the labial commissures of the human subject.

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is further provided to make a tool kit (1) comprising a fifth tool (150) the functional part of which (15) is shaped to be brought into contact with the dorso-velar articulation site of the phonatory apparatus (100) of the human subject, and has an offset end adapted to be placed on the front part of the tongue while keeping the rear part of said tongue mobile.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is further provided to make a tool kit (1) comprising a sixth tool (160) the functional part of which (15) is shaped to be brought into contact with the pico-alveolar articulation site of the phonatory apparatus (100) of the human subject.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all or part of the tools (110,120,130,140,150,160) comprise, as part of the functional part, a tip (11,12,13,14,15) removable from a handle (20).

9. A method for producing a kit (1) of language learning aids, implemented in an embodiment system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - acquiring a 3D representation of the phonatory apparatus (100) of a human subject, by means of an optical imager (2), - calculating, from the 3D representation of the phonatory apparatus, the spatial configuration of determined places of articulation associated with sets of consonants / vowels, - for each tool (110,120,130,140,150) associated with one of said places of articulation, - calculating a suitable digital form of a functional part (11,12,13,14,15) of said tool, from the calculated spatial configuration of said place of articulation, - physical realization of said functional part (11,12,13,14,15) by 3D printing.

10. A method for assisting in the learning of the sounds of a language, implementing a tool kit made with an embodiment system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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