Acoustics versus linguistics? Context is Part and Parcel to lateralized processing of the parts and parcels of speech

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this review is to provide an accessible exploration of key considerations of lateralization in speech and non-speech perception using clear and defined language. From these considerations, the primary arguments for each side of the linguistics versus acoustics debate are outlined and explored in context of emerging integrative theories. This theoretical approach entails a perspective that linguistic and acoustic features differentially contribute to leftward bias, depending on the given context. Such contextual factors include stimulus parameters and variables of stimulus presentation (e.g., noise/silence and monaural/binaural) and variances in individuals (sex, handedness, age, and behavioural ability). Discussion of these factors and their interaction is also aimed towards providing an outline of variables that require consideration when developing and reviewing methodology of acoustic and linguistic processing laterality studies. Thus, there are three primary aims in the present paper: (1) to provide the reader with key theoretical perspectives from the acoustics/linguistics debate and a synthesis of the two viewpoints, (2) to highlight key caveats for generalizing findings regarding predominant models of speech laterality, and (3) to provide a practical guide for methodological control using predominant behavioural measures (i.e., gap detection and dichotic listening tasks) and/or neurophysiological measures (i.e., mismatch negativity) of speech laterality.

KEYWORDS:

• Acoustics
• linguistics
• lateralization
• speech
• rapid temporal processing

Acknowledgements

JDB acknowledges receipt of an Australian Postgraduate Award scholarship. JDB thanks Dr Alex Provost for his support in training in relevant neurophysiological theory and methods.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Authorship contribution statement

JDB completed the first draft of this review document. JT edited the document and added significant contributions to content.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by funds provided by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia (APP1002995).