Investigating the Spatio-Temporal Signatures of Language Control-Related Brain Synchronization Processes

Language control processes allow for the flexible manipulation and access to context-appropriate verbal representations. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have localized the brain regions involved in language control processes usually by comparing high vs. low lexical-semantic control conditions during verbal tasks. Yet, the spectro-temporal dynamics of associated brain processes remain unexplored, preventing a proper understanding of the neural bases of language control mechanisms. To do so, we recorded functional brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and fMRI, while 30 healthy participants performed a silent verb generation (VGEN) and a picture naming (PN) task upon confrontation with pictures requiring low or high lexical-semantic control processes. fMRI confirmed the association between stronger language control processes and increased left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) perfusion, while MEG revealed these controlled mechanisms to be associated with a specific sequence of early (< 500 ms) and late (> 500 ms) beta-band (de)synchronization processes within fronto-temporo-parietal areas. Particularly, beta-band modulations of event-related (de)synchronization mechanisms were first observed in the right IFG, followed by bilateral IFG and temporo-parietal brain regions. Altogether, these results suggest that beyond a specific recruitment of inferior frontal brain regions, language control mechanisms rely on a complex temporal sequence of beta-band oscillatory mechanisms over antero-posterior areas.