Processing syntax: perspectives on language specificity

Abstract

Objective: The past few decades of research in language processing provides empirical data on the dimensions of the brain–language relationship. The methodologies used to study language processing have evidenced an immense advancement over the years, tracking real-time processing events with millisecond precision. Event-related potentials is one such method which assists to visualize the neural mechanisms that underlie language processing. Different electrophysiological components mark different components of language depending on their structural and functional aspects. Since research on language processing is expanding its boundaries, the neural mechanisms for processing syntax components have been the focus of recent investigations across the languages of the world. The present review article aims to discuss the findings of studies on syntax processing besides highlighting the functional significance of P600, the electrophysiological marker of syntax processing.

Methods: Electronic databases such as Pubmed, Science Direct, Research gate, PLOS, Directory of Open Access Journals were searched for relavant articles. The review process followed PRISMA guidelines for screening, identification, and selection of articles.

Results: The results of the review elucidate the need for evaluating the finer details of syntax, including morpho-syntax concerning specific language structures. Studies across the languages of the world exemplify the uniqueness in the structure of different languages that may provide varied perspectives on the universality in syntax processing.

Conclusion: The present review contributes a new dimension towards understanding the nature of syntax processing with respect to language specificity.

Keywords:

• Syntax
• morpho-syntax
• ERPs
• P600

Acknowledgments

The review was a part of the ongoing doctoral research of the first author conducted at the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, India. The authors thank the Director, AIISH, for extending the necessary facilities and support for review work.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.