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6 - The functional architecture of speech perception

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 August 2009

By
David Poeppel  and
Martin Hackl
Edited by
James R. Pomerantz
David Poeppel
Affiliation:
Professor Department of Linguistics Cognitive and Neuroscience Language Lab University of Maryland 1401 Marie Mount Hall College Park, MD 20742
Martin Hackl
Affiliation:
Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science Pomona College Mason Hall 211B 550 Harvard Ave – 110B Mason Hall Claremont, CA 91711
James R. Pomerantz
Affiliation:
Rice University, Houston
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Summary

Introduction

The language system is that aspect of mind/brain function that forms the basis for phonological, morphological, syntactic, and semantic computation. The “currencies” (or the ontology) of this central and abstract computational system are representations that are amodal, for example the concepts “feature” (phonology) or “affix” (morphology) or “phrase” (syntax) or “generalized quantifier” (semantics). Representation and computation with such concepts is typically considered independent of sensory modalities. Of course, the linguistic computational system is not isolated but interacts with other cognitive systems and with sensory–motor interface systems.

With regard to the input and output, the system has at least three modality-specific interfaces: an acoustic-articulatory system (speech perception and production), a visuo-motor system (reading/writing and sign), and a somatosensory interface (Braille). Speech and sign are the canonical interfaces and develop naturally; written language and Braille are explicitly taught: barring gross pathology, every child learns to speak or sign (rapidly, early, without explicit instruction, to a high level of proficiency), whereas learning to read/write Braille requires explicit instruction, is not universal, and occurs later in development.

In this chapter we focus on speech perception, specifically with regard to linguistic constraints and cortical organization. We first outline the key linguistic assumptions, including the concept of “distinctive feature,” and then discuss a functional-anatomic model that captures a range of empirical findings.

The linguistic basis of speech perception

The central importance of words for language use and understanding

An essential part of the cognitive ability underlying the linguistic behavior of a competent speaker of a language consists of knowing the words of the language or their constituents (roots).

Type
Chapter
Information
Topics in Integrative Neuroscience
From Cells to Cognition
 , pp. 154 - 180
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2008

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  • The functional architecture of speech perception
    • By David Poeppel, Professor Department of Linguistics Cognitive and Neuroscience Language Lab University of Maryland 1401 Marie Mount Hall College Park, MD 20742, Martin Hackl, Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science Pomona College Mason Hall 211B 550 Harvard Ave – 110B Mason Hall Claremont, CA 91711
  • Edited by James R. Pomerantz, Rice University, Houston
  • Book: Topics in Integrative Neuroscience
  • Online publication: 08 August 2009
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511541681.010
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  • The functional architecture of speech perception
    • By David Poeppel, Professor Department of Linguistics Cognitive and Neuroscience Language Lab University of Maryland 1401 Marie Mount Hall College Park, MD 20742, Martin Hackl, Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science Pomona College Mason Hall 211B 550 Harvard Ave – 110B Mason Hall Claremont, CA 91711
  • Edited by James R. Pomerantz, Rice University, Houston
  • Book: Topics in Integrative Neuroscience
  • Online publication: 08 August 2009
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511541681.010
Available formats
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To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • The functional architecture of speech perception
    • By David Poeppel, Professor Department of Linguistics Cognitive and Neuroscience Language Lab University of Maryland 1401 Marie Mount Hall College Park, MD 20742, Martin Hackl, Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science Pomona College Mason Hall 211B 550 Harvard Ave – 110B Mason Hall Claremont, CA 91711
  • Edited by James R. Pomerantz, Rice University, Houston
  • Book: Topics in Integrative Neuroscience
  • Online publication: 08 August 2009
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511541681.010
Available formats
×