“If we don’t speak, does that mean we are not communicating?”
On the 21st, the event “Expanding Communication with Dialogue Technology: Possibilities and Challenges” was held at the NC Cultural Foundation in Jongno-gu, Seoul, co-hosted by the Swiss Embassy in Korea and the foundation. Researchers from Korea and Switzerland gathered to introduce scientific technologies that further expand human communication abilities and discuss their impact on society.
The event began with a question from Professor Chung, Yoosun of the Special Education Department at George Mason University in the United States, who was the keynote speaker. Professor Chung is the first Korean woman with cerebral palsy to earn a Ph.D. abroad and to be appointed as a professor at an American university. In 2012, she also received the “Outstanding Professor Award” for her teaching methods utilizing advanced technology.
Following her question, Professor Chung proposed an unusual experiment. She suggested, “From now on, let’s introduce ourselves to the person next to us without speaking.” For about a minute, people introduced each other with gestures and eye contact, exchanging quiet laughter. There were no words, but communication was definitely present.
Professor Chung introduced the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods she uses in situations where speaking is difficult. AAC refers to methods of communication that do not involve speech, including gestures, pictures, letter boards, smartphone apps, and other technologies. She noted, “There are moments when you can clearly think of what you want to say, but it doesn’t come out of your mouth,” and added, “Sometimes, when I spell out each letter, the other person may infer the words and continue the conversation.”
“When I was in elementary school, I once became frustrated trying to pronounce the ‘commutative property’ because the sound of ‘kyeok’ (ㄱ) was difficult, but the AAC I encountered during my doctoral studies changed my life,” she said. Professor Chung maintained, “Technology is a tool for people,” stating, “Even though the methods of expression differ, everyone should be able to communicate meaningfully in their own way.”
Recently, various technologies have emerged to assist communication. Professor Chung cited the “HoloAAC” using Microsoft (MS) HoloLens headsets as an example. The augmented reality (AR) technology-based HoloAAC displays related words or sentences in the headset glasses when a user places an item at a convenience store, and clicks to produce audible speech. She said, “Although it is not yet at a complete stage, technology is clearly expanding the doors to communication.”
In addition to Professor Chung, scientists from both Korea and Switzerland shed light on various communication technologies. Lee Gyu-hwa, head of the research group at Wyss Institute in Switzerland, introduced brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies. BCI analyzes users' brainwaves in real time, helping them express words or sentences that come to mind. He stated, “It is still in the research stage, but it has progressed to the point where facial expressions and emotions can be detected by BCI, allowing an avatar to express them instead,” and added, “We will also develop BCI specialized for the Korean language in collaboration with Severance Hospital.”
Professor Jang Dae-hyun of Catholic University of Korea’s Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) digital therapeutic tool for children with speech disorders. This system diagnoses specific pronunciation errors based on children’s Korean voice data and provides game-based content to aid treatment. Professor Jang explained, “Digital therapeutics can serve as an alternative that overcomes the physical and temporal limitations of conventional treatments,” emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to enhance not just language function but also quality of life and social participation.
Researchers also highlighted the ethical controversies that technological advancements might provoke. Nikola Biller-Andorno, a professor at the University of Zurich’s Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine in Switzerland, said, “Technologies that replicate voices or interpret brainwaves to assist communication can enhance quality of life, but they also raise concerns about privacy.” He noted, “All technology must be designed with users in mind, protecting the diversity of expression and respecting users' autonomy and dignity.”
Yoon Song-yi, founder of the NC Cultural Foundation and former president of NCSOFT, remarked that “recent advancements in AI, neural prosthetics, and sensor-based technologies are opening new possibilities that surpass existing modes of communication.” She emphasized, “Rather than asking ‘how far can technology advance?’, we should ask ‘what is technology aiming for?’ Ultimately, technology should be directed toward people.”