Presentation
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Neural representations of the content and production of human vocalization
Poster A65 in Poster Session A, Tuesday, October 24, 10:15 am - 12:00 pm CEST, Espace Vieux-Port
Vera A. Voigtlaender1, Florian Sandhaeger2, David J. Hawellek3, Steffen R. Hage4, Markus Siegel5; 1Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Germany, 2Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Germany, 3MEG Center, University of Tübingen, Germany, 4Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, International Max Planck Research School, University of Tübingen Germany, 5Hearing Research Centre, University of Tübingen, Germany, 6Roche, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Speech, as the spoken form of language, is fundamental for human communication. The phenomenon of covert inner speech implies a functional independence of speech content and motor production. However, it remains unclear how a flexible mapping between speech content and production is achieved on the neural level. To address this, we recorded magnetoencephalography (MEG) in human subjects performing a rule-based vocalization task. Content (one of two vowels) and production (overt or covert) were instructed separately and in random order. Applying multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA), we found robust neural information about the content and production of vocalization several seconds before vocalization behavior. Source analysis revealed neural information in speech areas of the left hemisphere. The strength of both types of neural information correlated with the degree of motor involvement. When isolated, both types of information overlapped. Later in the trial, the neural format of production information transformed depending on the content, whereas content information remained stable independent of production type. Our results provide new insights into the neural dynamics underlying basic human vocalization and open a new window for non-invasive speech research in humans.
Topic Areas: Speech Motor Control, Control, Selection, and Executive Processes