Neural dynamics of inflectional and derivational processing in spoken word comprehension: laterality and automaticity

Whiting, C. M. , Marslen-Wilson, W. D. and Shtyrov, Y. (2013) Neural dynamics of inflectional and derivational processing in spoken word comprehension: laterality and automaticity. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7, 759. (doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00759) (PMID:24302902) (PMCID:PMC3831605)

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Abstract

Rapid and automatic processing of grammatical complexity is argued to take place during speech comprehension, engaging a left-lateralized fronto-temporal language network. Here we address how neural activity in these regions is modulated by the grammatical properties of spoken words. We used combined magneto- and electroencephalography to delineate the spatiotemporal patterns of activity that support the recognition of morphologically complex words in English with inflectional (-s) and derivational (-er) affixes (e.g., bakes, baker). The mismatch negativity, an index of linguistic memory traces elicited in a passive listening paradigm, was used to examine the neural dynamics elicited by morphologically complex words. Results revealed an initial peak 130–180 ms after the deviation point with a major source in left superior temporal cortex. The localization of this early activation showed a sensitivity to two grammatical properties of the stimuli: (1) the presence of morphological complexity, with affixed words showing increased left-laterality compared to non-affixed words; and (2) the grammatical category, with affixed verbs showing greater left-lateralization in inferior frontal gyrus compared to affixed nouns (bakes vs. beaks). This automatic brain response was additionally sensitive to semantic coherence (the meaning of the stem vs. the meaning of the whole form) in left middle temporal cortex. These results demonstrate that the spatiotemporal pattern of neural activity in spoken word processing is modulated by the presence of morphological structure, predominantly engaging the left-hemisphere’s fronto-temporal language network, and does not require focused attention on the linguistic input.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Whiting, Dr Caroline
Authors: Whiting, C. M., Marslen-Wilson, W. D., and Shtyrov, Y.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
Publisher:Frontiers Media
ISSN:1662-5161
ISSN (Online):1662-5161
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2013 Whiting, Marslen-Wilson and Shtyrov.
First Published:First published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 7: 759
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons license

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