Distributed Sensitivity to Syntax and Semantics throughout the Language Network
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jocn_a_02164.pdf
Description
Published version
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2.59 MB
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Author(s)
Shain, Cory
Kean, Hope
Casto, Colton
Lipkin, Benjamin
Affourtit, Josef
Siegelman, Matthew
Mollica, Francis
Fedorenko, Evelina
Date Issued
June 1, 2024
Journal
Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience
Publisher
MIT Press
Citation
Cory Shain, Hope Kean, Colton Casto, Benjamin Lipkin, Josef Affourtit, Matthew Siegelman, Francis Mollica, Evelina Fedorenko; Distributed Sensitivity to Syntax and Semantics throughout the Language Network. J Cogn Neurosci 2024; 36 (7): 1427–1471.
Version
Final published version
Abstract
Abstract
Human language is expressive because it is compositional: The meaning of a sentence (semantics) can be inferred from its structure (syntax). It is commonly believed that language syntax and semantics are processed by distinct brain regions. Here, we revisit this claim using precision fMRI methods to capture separation or overlap of function in the brains of individual participants. Contrary to prior claims, we find distributed sensitivity to both syntax and semantics throughout a broad frontotemporal brain network. Our results join a growing body of evidence for an integrated network for language in the human brain within which internal specialization is primarily a matter of degree rather than kind, in contrast with influential proposals that advocate distinct specialization of different brain areas for different types of linguistic functions.
Human language is expressive because it is compositional: The meaning of a sentence (semantics) can be inferred from its structure (syntax). It is commonly believed that language syntax and semantics are processed by distinct brain regions. Here, we revisit this claim using precision fMRI methods to capture separation or overlap of function in the brains of individual participants. Contrary to prior claims, we find distributed sensitivity to both syntax and semantics throughout a broad frontotemporal brain network. Our results join a growing body of evidence for an integrated network for language in the human brain within which internal specialization is primarily a matter of degree rather than kind, in contrast with influential proposals that advocate distinct specialization of different brain areas for different types of linguistic functions.
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DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn_a_02164
