(DELETED) RE SONO-GRAPH, SONALATOR, AND SONA-STRETCHER

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Keywords: MKULTRA
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 00184355
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: January 21, 2025
• Document Release Date: January 15, 1983
• Publication Date: July 27, 1951

SIA.NOARD rvizto NO 64 samestemtqww.�. z/<5. Office Menzorandum � U N 1TED STATES/G-'oVERNMEN T TO AD/03I Attention: FROM : Depu roec rity Officer SUBJECT: DATE: 27 July 1951 There is aitached a t sated 26 June 1951 concerning a demonstration of an electronic unit known as the ig "Sono-Graph," the "Sonalator" and the "Som.-Stretcher." This report is referred as being of possible interest in connection with research under Project Bluebird. At this time it does not appear that these instruments would be of value to .12.:3S as they are cfahiJ;hly technical nature and their use does not appear to be adapt- able to field operations. In. addition the ow.rall results of this technique do not seem to add anything to our field teams but there is a possibility CSI may find' that such instruments are worthy of further development. of equipment by the TAKEN FROM 4111110rE FROM TO FROM SUBJ /1)111 Loi a 26 June 1951 In compliance with your telephone request of 25 June, -today I attended a demonstration of several units of electronic speech anal za ion e uiment. This demonstratio was held in o fiees of t among-thoSe present.- The equipment on display was contained in three metal cases. Since this display was somewhat a pilot model and. quite bulky, it could in no sense be considered for extensive portable use. Upon inquiry I was advised that considerable reductions in weight and size could be made on future models. 411111111110 factory representative and electronic C.... engineer gave a very thorough and detailed explanation and actual demonstration of the "Sono-Graph", the "Sonalator" and the "Sona- Stretcher". Following is briefly what each device will accomplish with comments on our possible usage. THE SONA-37TRETCHER A device for the study of speech character- istics. By reducing the speed to one half, speech imperfections or other unusual defects can be detected. Students would then be able to learn actual language pronunciations more quickly. COMMENT It was brought out in the discussion that an operator well trained might detect peculiar speech characteristics which could reveal the area where a subject learned to speak a particular language. I.E.,. A foreign-born subject speaking what appeared to be perfect English, would retain irregularities which could not be heard at normal speed. It is believed that much research and training would be necessary before such a method could be used with any degree of accuracy. THE.SONACTOR When words are spoken into a micrnphone, the Son- . actor transforms this speech into visible patterns on an oscillo- scope which are visible � only as they are being spoken. This visible speech system is said to be useful in phonetic studies, speech training and education of the deaf. COY,IE While certain training in speech might be beneficial, again it is believed that no individual less than a phonetician could make this piece of equipment applicable to our needs. THE SONA-GRAFH Ths spoken word is recorded on a carbon hacked recording paper via the heated stylus method. This device records complex audio frequency waves and provides two recorded analyses of these waves. These records are useful in phonetic studies, speech education of the deaf, speech impediment correction-and foreign language instruction. (Sample attached). COMI,ENT As in the case of two previously described devices it is believed that some consideration should be given as to whether this equiothent might be benificially used. It is an established fact that several men have trained themselves in some way so that when any person speaks a few words to this individual, he can accurately determine Where a person was born or spent much of their childhood in a high percentage of persons tested. For this reason the extent of training needed for an operator should be fully exploited before consideration is given regarding the usage of this equipment in the future. ' A win i � mow Vni � , ' ����