A neuronal model of the language cortex

  • Authors:
  • Max Garagnani;Thomas Wennekers;Friedemann Pulvermüller

  • Affiliations:
  • MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, 15, Chaucer Road-Cambridge CB2 7EF, UK;Centre for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience, University of Plymouth, Portland Square Building, Room A 218, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK;MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, 15, Chaucer Road-Cambridge CB2 7EF, UK

  • Venue:
  • Neurocomputing
  • Year:
  • 2007

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Abstract

We modelled language-learning processes in a brain-inspired model of the language cortex. The network consisted of neuron-like elements (graded-response units) and mimicked the neuroanatomical areas in the perisylvian language cortex and the intrinsic and mutual connections within and between them. Speaking words creates correlated activity in motor and auditory cortical systems. This correlated activity might play an important role in setting up word representations at the neuronal level [D.B. Fry, The development of the phonological system in the normal and deaf child, in: F. Smith, F.A. Miller, (Eds.), The genesis of language MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 1966, pp. 187-206; F. Pulvermuller, Words in the Brain's Language, Behav. Brain Sci. 22 (1999) 253-279]. We simulated this language-learning process and used the network to simulate neurophysiological brain responses to words and meaningless ''pseudowords'' as they have been documented using EEG and MEG.