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How can neural evidence constrain theories of language processing?
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Organizers: Arka Mallela1, Brad Mahon2,3; 1Rush University Medical Center, 2Carnegie Mellon University, 3University of Pittsburgh
Increasingly sophisticated modalities can probe brain activity including functional MRI, lesion data, and extracranial/intracranial electrophysiology. These techniques have significant clinical utility in the neurosciences, and the spatiotemporal resolution of these modalities continues to grow. Causal manipulation is increasingly possible. Yet the role of these techniques in shaping theory remains unclear: do neural data meaningfully adjudicate between competing models of language representation and production, or primarily confirm frameworks derived from behavioral evidence? This symposium examines when and how neural evidence can meaningfully constrain theory, focusing on representational, temporal, and causal claims. Topics will include how these techniques can identify language representations in the brain, help preserve language in patients with neurological disorders, and whether they can generate theoretical insights beyond behavioral and cognitive data. This symposium aims to define if and how neural data can drive progress in theories of language processing. View Talks
Beyond the Visual Word Form Area: Rethinking the Dorsal Stream’s Role in Reading
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Organizers: Sachi Paul1; 1University of Pittsburgh
For decades, the neurobiology of reading has been dominated by a “ventral-centric” model focused on the visual word form area and its connections into temporal lobe regions associated with phonological and semantic processing. This symposium challenges the status quo by highlighting the neurobiological mechanisms—particularly within the inferior parietal lobe—that integrate speech-related representations into models of visual word recognition. Bringing together speakers with backgrounds in cognitive neuroscience, speech sciences, and neurology, we will explore how regions within the inferior parietal lobe, such as supramarginal gyrus, form a dorsal interface between reading and speech production. Speakers will examine the functional necessity of this interface across tasks and populations. We will use live digital polling to gather audience “hot take” questions, leading into a collaborative debate between presenters and audience. To further extend engagement, we will host a post-conference meetup and circulate key readings in advance, welcoming attendees of all career stages. View Talks