We investigate brain bases of language and especially meaning or semantics. We study how concepts are represented and processed in the brain. One of the questions that is a current focus of research is: Is the conceptual (thinking) system of the brain completely separate from the perception-action (seeing, hearing, acting) systems of the brain? We can further ask questions such as: To what extent does language about time and space use neural resources used for perceiving time and space? What is the effect of pathology of the sensory-motor systems on conceptual processing?
Some Current Projects Functions of anterior temporal lobe Action and abstract semantics in Parkinson’s Semantics in stroke patients Representation of temporal and spatial language Embodiment of metaphors and idioms Knowledge of people and places |
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Methods Functional MRI Lesion-symptom mapping Transcranial direct current stimulation Transcranial magnetic stimulation Computational modeling Behavioral studies |
Supported by NIDCD/NIH |