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Abstract

The Ghana-Togo Mountain languages are a typologically distinct group of languages within the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Until recently, they have received very little documentary attention, and are still greatly under-described. Where there is information regarding the tense, aspect, and mood system, Ghana-Togo Mountain languages are described as tense and aspect prominent. In contrast, Kwa languages are typically aspect and mood prominent, with little to no grammatical tense marking. Is the apparent greater emphasis on tense one of the typological features that separates the Ghana- Togo Mountain languages from the other Kwa languages? Or has tense been overrepresented due to the lack of description? In the case of Avatime, it is the latter. Previous accounts have described Avatime with a strong focus on tense. However, when the semantics are considered in more detail, we see that none of the forms contains an inherent specification for tense. While there is often a default interpretation in the past, present or future, this default can easily be overridden. Thus, Avatime has a typical Kwa system with a focus on aspect and mood and no grammatical tense.

Abstract

Pragmatic phenomena are characterized by extreme variability, which makes it difficult to draw sound generalizations about the role of social cognition in pragmatic language by and large. I introduce cultural evolutionary pragmatics as a new framework for the study of the interdependence between language and social cognition, and point at the study of common-ground management across languages and ages as a way to test the reliance of pragmatic language on social cognition. I illustrate this new research line with three experiments on article use by second language speakers, whose mother tongue lacks articles. These L2 speakers are known to find article use challenging and it is often argued that their difficulties stem from articles being pragmatically redundant. Contrary to this view, the results of this exploratory study support the view that proficient article use requires automatizing basic socio-cognitive processes, offering a window into the interdependence between language and social cognition.

Abstract

*All authors contributed equally to this work
Meaningful gestures enhance degraded speech comprehension in neurotypical adults, but it is unknown whether this is the case for neurodivergent populations, such as autistic individuals. Previous research demonstrated atypical multisensory and speech-gesture integration in autistic individuals, suggesting that integrating speech and gestures may be more challenging and less beneficial for speech comprehension in adverse listening conditions in comparison to neurotypicals. Conversely, autistic individuals could also benefit from additional cues to comprehend speech in noise, as they encounter difficulties in filtering relevant information from noise. We here investigated whether gestural enhancement of degraded speech comprehension differs for neurotypical (n = 40, mean age = 24.1) compared to autistic (n = 40, mean age = 26.8) adults. Participants watched videos of an actress uttering a Dutch action verb in clear or degraded speech accompanied with or without a gesture, and completed a free-recall task. Gestural enhancement was observed for both autistic and neurotypical individuals, and did not differ between groups. In contrast to previous literature, our results demonstrate that autistic individuals do benefit from gestures during degraded speech comprehension, similar to neurotypicals. These findings provide relevant insights to improve communication practices with autistic individuals and to develop new interventions for speech comprehension.

Abstract

To study patterns in behavior, fitness, and population dynamics, estimating the age of the individuals is often a necessity. Specifically, age estimation of young animals is very important for animal rehabilitation centers because it may determine if the animal should be taken in and, if so, what care is optimal for its rehabilitation. Accurate age estimation is also important to determine the growth pattern of an individual, and it is needed to correctly interpret the influence of early body condition on its growth trajectories. The purpose of our study was to find body measurements that function as good age estimators in young (up to 3 months old) harbor seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina), placing emphasis on noninvasive techniques that can be used in the field. To meet this goal, body mass (BM), dorsal standard length (DSL), upper canine length (CL), body condition (BC), and sex were determined from 45 Harbor Seal pups of known age. Generalized additive mixed models were fitted to find how well these morphometric measures predicted age, and the results from the selected model were used to compute growth curves and to create a practical table to determine the age of young animals in the field. We found that both DSL and CL—and to some extent sex—were useful predictors for estimating age in young harbor seals and that the growth rate of pups raised in captivity is significantly lower than for those raised in the wild. In addition, we found no evidence for compensatory growth, given that animals that arrived at the center with a poor BM or BC continued to show lower BM or BC throughout almost the entire rehabilitation period.

Abstract

Apolipoprotein E ε4 is a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, and some apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers show Alzheimer’s disease–related neuropathology many years before cognitive changes are apparent. Therefore, studying healthy apolipoprotein E genotyped individuals offers an opportunity to investigate the earliest changes in brain measures that may signal the presence of disease-related processes. For example, subtle changes in functional magnetic resonance imaging functional connectivity, particularly within the default mode network, have been described when comparing healthy ε4 carriers to ε3 carriers. Similarly, very mild impairments of episodic memory have also been documented in healthy apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers. Here, we use a naturalistic activity (movie watching), and a marker of episodic memory encoding (transient changes in functional magnetic resonance imaging activity and functional connectivity around so-called ‘event boundaries’), to investigate potential phenotype differences associated with the apolipoprotein E ε4 genotype in a large sample of healthy adults. Using Bayes factor analyses, we found strong evidence against existence of differences associated with apolipoprotein E allelic status. Similarly, we did not find apolipoprotein E-associated differences when we ran exploratory analyses examining: functional system segregation across the whole brain, and connectivity within the default mode network. We conclude that apolipoprotein E genotype has little or no effect on how ongoing experiences are processed in healthy adults. The mild phenotype differences observed in some studies may reflect early effects of Alzheimer’s disease–related pathology in apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers.

Abstract

Libraries are very often considered the hallway to developing knowledge. However, the lack of adequate staff within Indian libraries makes catering to the visitors’ needs difficult. Previous systems that have sought to address libraries’ needs through automation have mostly been limited to storage and fetching aspects while lacking in their interaction aspect. We propose to address this issue by incorporating social robots within Indian libraries that can communicate and address the visitors’ queries in a multi-modal fashion attempting to make the experience more natural and appealing while helping reduce the burden on the librarians. In this paper, we propose and deploy a Furhat robot as a robot librarian by programming it on certain core librarian functionalities. We evaluate our system with a physical robot librarian (N = 26). The results show that the robot librarian was found to be very informative and overall left with a positive impression and preference.

Abstract

Translational network neuroscience aims to integrate advanced neuroimaging and data analysis techniques into clinical practice to better understand and treat neurological disorders. Despite the promise of technologies such as functional MRI and diffusion MRI combined with network analysis tools, the field faces several challenges that hinder its swift clinical translation. We have identified nine key roadblocks that impede this process: (a) theoretical and basic science foundations; (b) network construction, data interpretation, and validation; (c) MRI access, data variability, and protocol standardization; (d) data sharing; (e) computational resources and expertise; (f) interdisciplinary collaboration; (g) industry collaboration and commercialization; (h) operational efficiency, integration, and training; and (i) ethical and legal considerations. To address these challenges, we propose several possible solution strategies. By aligning scientific goals with clinical realities and establishing a sound ethical framework, translational network neuroscience can achieve meaningful advances in personalized medicine and ultimately improve patient care. We advocate for an interdisciplinary commitment to overcoming translational hurdles in network neuroscience and integrating advanced technologies into routine clinical practice.

Abstract

Language acquisition is multifaceted, relying on cognitive and social abilities in addition to language-specific skills. We hypothesized that executive function (EF) may assist language development by enabling children to revise misinterpretations during online processing, encode language input more accurately and/or learn non-canonical sentence structures like the passive better over time. One hundred and twenty Dutch preschoolers each completed three sessions of testing (pre-test, exposure and post-test). During pre-test and post-test, we measured their comprehension of passive sentences and performance in three EF tasks. In the exposure session, we tracked children’s eye movements as they listened to passive (and other) sentences. Each child was also assessed for short-term memory and receptive language. Multiple regression evaluated the relationship between EF and online processing and longer-term learning. EF predicted online revision accuracy, while controlling for receptive language, prior passive knowledge and short-term memory, consistent with theories linking EF to the revision of misinterpretations. EF was also associated with longer-term learning, but the results could not disentangle EF from receptive language. These findings broadly support a role for EF in language acquisition, including a specific role in revision during sentence processing and potentially other roles that depend on reciprocal interaction between EF and receptive language.

Abstract

Repair is a core building block of human communication, allowing us to address problems of understanding in conversation. Past research has uncovered the basic mechanisms by which interactants signal and solve such problems. However, the focus has been on verbal interaction, neglecting the fact that human communication is inherently multimodal. Here, we focus on a visual signal particularly prevalent in signalling problems of understanding: eyebrow furrows and raises. We present, first, a corpus study showing that differences in eyebrow actions (furrows versus raises) were systematically associated with differences in the format of verbal repair initiations. Second, we present a follow-up study using an avatar that allowed us to test the causal consequences of addressee eyebrow movements, zooming into the effect of eyebrow furrows as signals of trouble in understanding in particular. The results revealed that addressees’ eyebrow furrows have a striking effect on speakers’ speech, leading speakers to produce answers to questions several seconds longer than when not perceiving addressee eyebrow furrows while speaking. Together, the findings demonstrate that eyebrow movements play a communicative role in initiating repair during conversation rather than being merely epiphenomenal and that their occurrence can critically influence linguistic behaviour. Thus, eyebrow movements should be considered core coordination devices in human conversational interaction.

Abstract

We examined the morphosyntactic prediction ability of child heritage speakers and the role of reading skills and language experience in predictive processing. Using visual world eye-tracking, we focused on predictive use of case-marking cues in Turkish with monolingual (N=49, Mage=83 months) and heritage children, who were early bilinguals of Turkish and Dutch (N=30, Mage=90 months). We found quantitative differences in magnitude of the prediction ability of monolingual and heritage children; however, their overall prediction ability was on par. The heritage speakers’ prediction ability was facilitated by their reading skills in Dutch, but not in Turkish as well as by their heritage language exposure, but not by engagement in literacy activities. These findings emphasize the facilitatory role of reading skills and spoken language experience in predictive processing. This study is the first to show that in a developing bilingual mind, effects of reading-on-prediction can take place across modalities and across languages.

Abstract

Tractography has emerged as a central tool for mapping the cerebral white matter architecture. However, its scientific value continues to be a subject of debate, given its inherent limitations in anatomical accuracy. This concise communication showcases key points of a debate held at the 2024 Tract-Anat Retreat, addressing the trade-offs between the accuracy and utility of tractography. While tractography remains constrained by limitations related to resolution, sensitivity, and validation, its usefulness and utility in areas such as surgical planning, disorder prediction, and the elucidation of brain development are emphasized. These perspectives highlight the necessity of context-specific interpretation, anatomically informed algorithms, and the continuous refinement of tractography workflows to achieve an optimal balance between accuracy and utility.

Abstract

Individual differences in using language are prevalent in our daily lives. Language skills are often assessed in vocational (predominantly written language) and diagnostic contexts. Not much is known, however, about individual differences in spoken language skills. The lack of research is in part due to the lack of suitable test instruments. We introduce the Individual Differences in Language Skills (IDLaS-NL) test battery, a set of 31 behavioural tests that can be used to capture variability in language and relevant general cognitive skills in adult speakers of Dutch. The battery was designed to measure word and sentence production and comprehension skills, linguistic knowledge, nonverbal processing speed, working memory, and nonverbal reasoning. The present article outlines the structure of the battery, describes the materials and procedure of each test, and evaluates the battery’s factor structure based on the results of a sample of 748 Dutch adults, aged between 18 and 30 years, most of them students. The analyses demonstrate that the battery has good construct validity and can be reliably administered both in the lab and via the internet. We therefore recommend the battery as a valuable new tool to assess individual differences in language knowledge and skills; this future work may include linking language skills to other aspects of human cognition and life outcomes.

Abstract

To date, research has reliably shown that language can engage and modify perceptual processes in a top-down manner. However, our understanding of the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying such top-down influences is still under debate. In this review, we provide an overview of findings from literature investigating the organization of semantic networks in the brain (spontaneous engagement of the visual system while processing linguistic information), and linguistic cueing studies (looking at the immediate effects of language on the perception of a visual target), in an effort to isolate such mechanisms. Additionally, we connect the findings from linguistic cueing studies to those reported in (nonlinguistic) literature on priors in perception, in order to find commonalities in neural processes allowing for top-down influences on perception. In doing so, we discuss the effects of language on perception in the context of broader, general cognitive and neural principles. Finally, we propose a way forward in the study of linguistic influences on perception.

Abstract

Hemispheric brain asymmetry is a basic organizational principle of the human brain and has been implicated in various psychiatric conditions, including autism spectrum disorder. Brain asymmetry is not a uniquely human feature and is observed in other species such as the mouse. Yet, asymmetry patterns are generally nuanced, and substantial sample sizes are required to detect these patterns. In this pre-registered study, we use a mouse dataset from the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Network, which comprises structural MRI data from over 2000 mice, including genetic models for autism spectrum disorder, to reveal the scope and magnitude of hemispheric asymmetry in the mouse. Our findings demonstrate the presence of robust hemispheric asymmetry in the mouse brain, such as larger right hemispheric volumes towards the anterior pole and larger left hemispheric volumes toward the posterior pole, opposite to what has been shown in humans. This suggests the existence of species-specific traits. Further clustering analysis identified distinct asymmetry patterns in autism spectrum disorder models, a phenomenon that is also seen in atypically developing participants. Our study shows potential for the use of mouse models in studying the biological bases of typical and atypical brain asymmetry but also warrants caution as asymmetry patterns seem to differ between humans and mice.