Oscillations as a bridge between language and other cognitive domains

Language comprehension and production rely on memory and control processes. In addition, the motor system is recruited for language production. Memory, motor, and control processes are well-studied outside of the language domain. I will argue that oscillations may constitute the best measure to understand language in relation to these other domains. In particular, I will discuss alpha-beta oscillations in the lateral cortex with respect to memory and motor aspects of word production. Additionally, I will show how hippocampal theta oscillations, which are tightly related to episodic memory, track the amount of semantic associations in sentence contexts. I will also show how resolving competition between words in language production is associated with theta oscillations in the medial frontal cortex, a signature of executive function. Finally, I will discuss what these neuronal signatures can reveal about language lateralisation and neuroplasticity in patient populations.

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