Contextual modulation of the neural network underlying the processing of compositional nontransparent meaning

IF 1.2 3区 心理学 Q2 LINGUISTICS
Yao-Ying Lai
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Abstract

This study examines the neurocognitive mechanisms supporting the processing of sentences involving compositional nontransparent meaning, investigating if the neural correlates are modulated by clausal and extra-clausal prior context. We probe through sentences like “The player jumped for 5 s.“, which engenders an iterative meaning (multiple jumping actions) that is morphosyntactically-unsupported yet obtained at the compositional level ([verb + adverbial]). We hypothesize that the non-transparent meaning is computed by comprehenders’ contextual evaluation, which would be more effortful without guiding cues yet could be facilitated by the presence of biasing information in context. This predicts that the comprehension of nontransparent sentences is contextually modulated, eliciting greater cost than their transparent counterparts—particularly when they are processed in a neutral context than in an iterative-biasing context. The reported fMRI experiment showed that computing nontransparent meaning preferentially recruited the left inferior frontal gyrus (L.IFG), the left middle temporal regions, and the right IFG, in contrast to the transparent counterpart. Crucially, the left frontal activation subserving nontransparent sentences was attenuated in a biasing context, as compared to a neutral context. The context effect was corroborated by the results of iterativity judgments that showed differential iterative vs. non-iterative interpretations for the nontransparent sentences as cued by the clausal and extra-clausal context. While the influence of clausal context has been demonstrated, this study provides novel evidence showing that compositional meaning computation is modulated by prior context in addition. The findings reveal a left-lateralized frontal-temporal network for compositional nontransparent meaning that is subject to contextual modulation beyond morphosyntactic computation.

构成性非透明意义处理神经网络的语境调节
本研究探讨了支持涉及非透明意义构成的句子处理的神经认知机制,并研究了神经相关因素是否受句子和句子外先行语境的调节。我们通过 "球员跳了 5 秒钟 "这样的句子进行探究,该句子产生了一种迭代意义(多个跳跃动作),这种意义在形态句法上是不支持的,但却可以在成分层面([动词 + 副词])获得。我们假设,非透明意义是通过理解者的语境评估计算出来的,在没有引导性线索的情况下,这种评估会更加费力,但如果语境中存在偏向性信息,这种评估就会变得更加容易。这就预示着,非透明句子的理解会受到语境的调节,比透明句子的理解付出更大的代价--尤其是在中性语境中处理非透明句子比在迭代偏置语境中处理非透明句子付出的代价更大。所报告的 fMRI 实验表明,与透明句子相比,计算非透明句子时,左侧额叶下回(L.IFG)、左侧中颞区和右侧 IFG 会优先被调动。最重要的是,与中性语境相比,在有偏见的语境中,非透明句子的左额叶激活有所减弱。迭代性判断的结果也证实了这一语境效应,迭代性与非迭代性的解释在非透明句子的分句和分句外语境的提示下有所不同。虽然句子语境的影响已经得到证实,但本研究提供的新证据表明,成分意义计算还受到先前语境的调节。研究结果揭示了一个左外侧额颞叶网络,该网络用于非透明意义的构成,除了受到形态句法计算的影响外,还受到语境的调节。
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来源期刊
Journal of Neurolinguistics
Journal of Neurolinguistics 医学-神经科学
CiteScore
3.90
自引率
5.00%
发文量
49
审稿时长
17.2 weeks
期刊介绍: The Journal of Neurolinguistics is an international forum for the integration of the neurosciences and language sciences. JNL provides for rapid publication of novel, peer-reviewed research into the interaction between language, communication and brain processes. The focus is on rigorous studies of an empirical or theoretical nature and which make an original contribution to our knowledge about the involvement of the nervous system in communication and its breakdowns. Contributions from neurology, communication disorders, linguistics, neuropsychology and cognitive science in general are welcome. Published articles will typically address issues relating some aspect of language or speech function to its neurological substrates with clear theoretical import. Interdisciplinary work on any aspect of the biological foundations of language and its disorders resulting from brain damage is encouraged. Studies of normal subjects, with clear reference to brain functions, are appropriate. Group-studies on well defined samples and case studies with well documented lesion or nervous system dysfunction are acceptable. The journal is open to empirical reports and review articles. Special issues on aspects of the relation between language and the structure and function of the nervous system are also welcome.
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