Understanding the neural mechanisms for infants' perception of native and non-native speech

Liquan Liu; Varghese Peter; Michael D. Tyler

doi:10.1016/j.bandl.2023.105279

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Understanding the neural mechanisms for infants' perception of native and non-native speech

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Understanding the neural mechanisms for infants' perception of native and non-native speech

Liquan Liu, Varghese Peter and Michael D. Tyler

Brain and Language, Vol.242, pp.1-5

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandl.2023.105279

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Abstract

Applied and developmental psychology

Psycholinguistics (incl. speech production and comprehension)

Cognitive neuroscience

Abstract mismatch negativity (MMN)

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Perceptual narrowing

Positive mismatch response (MMR)

Speech perception

Though perceptual narrowing has been widely recognized as a process guiding cognitive development and category learning in infancy and early childhood, its neural mechanisms and traits at a cortical level remain unclear. Using an electroencephalography (EEG) abstract mismatch negativity (MMN) paradigm, Australian infants’ neural sensitivity to (native) English and (non-native) Nuu-Chah-Nulth speech contrasts was examined in a cross-sectional design at the onset (5-6 months) and offset (11-12 months) of perceptual narrowing. Immature mismatch responses (MMR) were observed among younger infants for both contrasts, while older infants showed MMR response to the non-native contrast, and both MMR and MMN to the native contrast. Sensitivity to the Nuu-Chah-Nulth contrast at perceptual narrowing offset was retained yet stayed immature. Findings conform to perceptual assimilation theories, reflecting plasticity in early speech perception and development. Compared to behavioural paradigms, neural examination effectively reveals experience-induced processing differences to subtle contrasts at the offset of perceptual narrowing.

Details

Title: Understanding the neural mechanisms for infants' perception of native and non-native speech
Authors: Liquan Liu (Corresponding Author) - Western Sydney University
Varghese Peter (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Psychology
Michael D. Tyler (Author) - Western Sydney University
Publication details: Brain and Language, Vol.242, pp.1-5
Publisher: Academic Press
DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2023.105279
ISSN: 1090-2155
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Psychology
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99726998802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Audiology & Speech-language Pathology; Linguistics; Neurosciences; Psychology, Experimental

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