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Shared neural and cognitive mechanisms in action and language: The multiscale information transfer framework
Alice Blumenthal-Dramé1,2, Evie Malaia3,2
1Department of English, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science
|November 13, 2018
Summary
Humans process actions and language similarly using shared cognitive and neural resources, but linguistic communication has unique features. A new framework, multiscale information transfer (MSIT), integrates these findings for future research.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psycholinguistics
- Motor Control
Background:
- Human sequential processing involves understanding actions and language.
- Previous research has explored shared and distinct mechanisms in processing these sequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare human processing of action and language sequences.
- To identify commonalities and differences in cognitive mechanisms, neural resources, and processing algorithms.
- To propose a framework for integrating these insights.
Main Methods:
- Literature review comparing action and language processing.
- Analysis of cognitive mechanisms (e.g., perceptual segmentation, predictive processing).
- Examination of neural resources (e.g., left inferior frontal cortex) and processing algorithms (e.g., signal entropy).
Main Results:
- Identified commonalities in cognitive mechanisms, neural resources, and processing algorithms for action and language.
- Highlighted distinctions in linguistic communication (oral and signed) versus nonlinguistic actions, particularly drawing on sign language.
- Proposed the multiscale information transfer (MSIT) framework.
Conclusions:
- Human action and language processing share fundamental mechanisms but possess unique characteristics.
- The MSIT framework offers a unified approach to understanding sequential information processing.
- Future research should explore the MSIT framework to advance understanding of human communication and action.
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