Language in the Dyad. Linking linguistic and neural alignment.

This project investigates the relationship between neural and linguistic alignment in dyadic communication using EEG hyper-scanning and interactive language games to enhance understanding of dialogue dynamics.

Subsidie
€ 1.997.048
2025

Projectdetails

Introduction

Current research in linguistics, psychology, and neuroscience predominantly focuses on the individual, neglecting the dynamic interplay between interlocutors as the primary form of communication. This project aims to address this limitation by investigating language and the brain in their most functional context, the dyad. The objective is to connect the cognitive mechanisms of dialogue with the neurophysiology of interacting brains.

Central Theme

The central theme of this project is the concept of alignment, since it is observed in both behaviour and brain activity.

Linguistic Alignment

Linguistic alignment concerns the convergence of language use between interlocutors.

Neural Alignment

Neural alignment refers to correlated brain activity between speakers and listeners. While tempting to assume both phenomena are related, at present this is an open question. This project sets out to investigate whether neural alignment is the brain's signature of linguistic alignment, and whether prediction is the mechanism that can link neural and linguistic alignment.

Methodology

To achieve these objectives, the project employs a novel paradigm combining EEG hyper-scanning with interactive dyadic language games. Preliminary results highlight the feasibility of this novel paradigm to assess interactive naming behaviour.

Work Packages

Using this approach, three work packages will explore:

  1. Neural alignment for basic linguistic components.
  2. The impact of prediction on alignment.
  3. The emergence of neural alignment in spontaneous linguistic interactions.

Potential Impact

This interdisciplinary proposal has ground-breaking potential: If successful, the project will significantly advance our understanding of language in interaction, shed light on the role of prediction in the dyad, and provide a brain basis for models of dialogue and conversation.

Conclusion

In sum, this comprehensive approach seeks to unravel the intricate connections between neural and linguistic alignment while exploring the role of prediction as a fundamental driver of these phenomena.

Financiële details & Tijdlijn

Financiële details

Subsidiebedrag€ 1.997.048
Totale projectbegroting€ 1.997.048

Tijdlijn

Startdatum1-3-2025
Einddatum28-2-2030
Subsidiejaar2025

Partners & Locaties

Projectpartners

  • CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRSpenvoerder

Land(en)

France

Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council

ERC Synergy ...

The Delta of Language

DELTA-LANG aims to predict psychotic relapses by analyzing spontaneous speech through NLP, linking language changes to neural signatures and enabling timely interventions.

€ 9.939.329
ERC Consolid...

Defining an integrated model of the neural processing of speech in light of its multiscale dynamics

This project aims to develop an integrated model of speech perception by analyzing neural oscillatory dynamics and their relationship with linguistic timescales using advanced neuroimaging techniques.

€ 1.861.100
ERC Advanced...

Aligning Brain Rhythms: Understanding the mechanisms of cortical tracking of speech to improve language functions with real time closed-loop neurofeedback

This project aims to identify early biomarkers for learning disabilities and enhance language processing through neuroimaging, cortical tracking of speech, and real-time neurofeedback interventions.

€ 2.500.000
ERC Consolid...

Natural Language Understanding for non-standard languages and dialects

DIALECT aims to enhance Natural Language Understanding by developing algorithms that integrate dialectal variation and reduce bias in data and labels for fairer, more accurate language models.

€ 1.997.815
ERC Starting...

Language Processing in Blind Early Visual Cortex? Understanding Limits of Functional Plasticity in Human Brain

This project aims to investigate the functional plasticity of the early visual cortex in blind individuals to determine how it processes language, using advanced neuroimaging techniques.

€ 1.340.288