Work

Grounding the computational principles of language in neurobiology requires cross-modal and cross-linguistic data

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Murphy's discussion (2025) of his recent ROSE model includes explicit linking hypotheses connecting computational, algorithmic, and implementational levels in the study of language and its neurobiological basis. Here, I argue that establishing the neural basis of the abstract principles underlying natural language syntax will require new data from sign languages, tactile sign languages, as well as typologically diverse spoken languages. The assumption of modality-independent processes for structure building lies at the heart of ROSE, but the proposed correlates for hierarchical and sequential operations must be subjected to empirical test across languages and modalities in the future.

Source: Cognitive Neuroscience

DOI: 10.1080/17588928.2025.2561581

Author: Patrick C. Trettenbrein

Institutions: Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Göttingen

Language: English

Topic: Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

Award: Wortarten und Ikonizität in der Deutschen Gebärdensprache (DGS)