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Volume 26, Issue 3 (Autumn 2024)
Advances in Cognitive Sciences 2024, 26(3): 88-101 |
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Ethics code: IR.SBU.REC.1402.099
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Dalir D, Purmohammad M, Golfam A, Khosrowabadi R, Karbalaei sadegh M. Investigating brain responses to topicalization processing in Persian based on Friederici’s model. Advances in Cognitive Sciences 2024; 26 (3) :88-101
URL: http://icssjournal.ir/article-1-1692-en.html
URL: http://icssjournal.ir/article-1-1692-en.html
Delangiz Dalir1 
, Mehdi Purmohammad *2 , Arsalan Golfam3 , Reza Khosrowabadi4 , Mahnaz Karbalaei sadegh5
, Mehdi Purmohammad *2 , Arsalan Golfam3 , Reza Khosrowabadi4 , Mahnaz Karbalaei sadegh5
1- PhD Student of Department of Linguistics, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Researcher of Special Education, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
3- Assistant Professor of Department of Linguistics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
4- Associate Professor of Institute for Cognitive and Brain Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
5- Assistant Professor of Department of Linguistics, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Researcher of Special Education, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
3- Assistant Professor of Department of Linguistics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
4- Associate Professor of Institute for Cognitive and Brain Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
5- Assistant Professor of Department of Linguistics, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (585 Views)
Introduction
The ability to move elements within a sentence structure, known as topicalization, is a fundamental characteristic of natural languages and plays a crucial role in discourse analysis and understanding. In Persian, interrogative complements generally appear in a post-object position and can be moved to different locations within a sentence, significantly impacting discourse and communicative dynamics. This syntactic flexibility is particularly relevant for creating marked structures that serve specific communicative functions, such as emphasizing or clarifying information.
This study’s primary aim is to examine how the brain processes the movement of interrogative complements to the sentence-initial position in Persian, utilizing ERPs to capture the neural responses associated with this syntactic operation. The focus is on the N200 component, a neural marker associated with detecting syntactic anomalies and structural parsing, located in the left anterior region of the brain. Friederici’s language processing model, postulating that this component is crucial for structural information processing, provides the theoretical framework for this investigation.
Methods
Four different syntactic conditions, each involving repositioning the interrogative complement, were designed to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying topicalization in Persian. For each condition, 50 sentences were created, resulting in a total of 200 sentences. These sentences were presented to participants on a computer screen in a controlled experimental setting. Participants were instructed to read the sentences silently while maintaining minimal facial and lip movement to ensure the accuracy of the electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings.
The experimental procedure involved displaying sentences one at a time, each being broken down into constituent phrases. Participants’ brain responses were recorded using a 64-electrode EEG cap, focusing on the N200 component. The primary task for participants was to comprehend the sentences without vocalizing them, thereby isolating the cognitive processes involved in syntactic parsing and comprehension.
The EEG data were preprocessed to remove artifacts and noise, ensuring that the recorded ERPs accurately reflected the brain’s response to the syntactic manipulations. The analysis focused on the N200 component, which was expected to show variations in amplitude depending on the syntactic condition. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS-27 software, comparing the ERP responses across the different conditions to identify significant differences in brain activity related to the topicalization of interrogative complements.
Results
The findings reveal that the topicalization of interrogative complements in Persian leads to distinct neural responses, as evidenced by variations in the N200 component. Specifically, when the interrogative complement is moved to the beginning of the sentence, there is a significant increase in the N200 amplitude in the left anterior region of the brain. This suggests that the brain recognizes this syntactic movement as a marked structure, requiring additional cognitive resources for processing.
These results support the hypothesis that the topicalization process in Persian is not merely a surface-level syntactic change but involves deeper neurophysiological mechanisms. The increased N200 amplitude indicates that the brain engages in more intensive structural parsing and anomaly detection when dealing with sentences that deviate from the canonical SOV order.
The study’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of language processing and the neurobiological basis of syntax. The increased N200 amplitude associated with the topicalization of interrogative complements suggests that the brain’s response to syntactic movement is consistent with Friederici’s language processing model. This model posits that the left anterior region of the brain plays a crucial role in handling structural information and detecting syntactic anomalies.
Moreover, the study highlights the importance of marked structures in communication. By repositioning interrogative complements to the beginning of a sentence, speakers can create emphasis and clarity, facilitating more effective discourse. The neural evidence provided by this study underscores the cognitive effort involved in processing these marked structures, reflecting the brain’s capacity to adapt to syntactic variability in language.
In addition, the findings contribute to the broader field of psycholinguistics by providing empirical evidence of the neurophysiological processes underlying syntactic movement. This research bridges the gap between linguistic theory and cognitive neuroscience, demonstrating how abstract syntactic operations are realized in the brain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidence that the topicalization of interrogative complements in Persian involves distinct neurophysiological processes, as indicated by variations in the N200 component. The results align with Friederici’s language processing model, highlighting the brain’s role in structural parsing and anomaly detection. These findings enhance our understanding of the cognitive mechanisms underlying language processing and underscore the significance of marked structures in communication.
The implications of this research extend beyond Persian, offering insights into the universal principles of syntax and discourse processing in natural languages. By elucidating the neural basis of topicalization, this study contributes to the broader endeavor of understanding the intricate relationship between language and the brain.
Ethical Considerations
The ethical conduct of this study adhered to the highest standards of research integrity. All participants provided informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study, ensuring that they were fully aware of the nature and purpose of the research. The study design included measures to protect the privacy and confidentiality of participant data. Participants were tested individually in a quiet, dimly lit room to ensure their comfort and minimize distractions. They were also instructed to avoid consuming any substances that might affect nervous system or cognitive functions for 24 hours before the experiment. Additionally, the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shahid Beheshti University, with the approval ID: IR.SBU.REC.1402.099, ensuring that all procedures comply with ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects.
Authors’ contributions
The first author wrote the draft paper. After reviewing and applying some corrections by other authors, the second author compiled the final version.
Funding
This research has been done at the author’s expense.
Acknowledgments
This article is a part of my PhD dissertation. The authors appreciate all experts and professors for their advice.
Conflict of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
The ability to move elements within a sentence structure, known as topicalization, is a fundamental characteristic of natural languages and plays a crucial role in discourse analysis and understanding. In Persian, interrogative complements generally appear in a post-object position and can be moved to different locations within a sentence, significantly impacting discourse and communicative dynamics. This syntactic flexibility is particularly relevant for creating marked structures that serve specific communicative functions, such as emphasizing or clarifying information.
This study’s primary aim is to examine how the brain processes the movement of interrogative complements to the sentence-initial position in Persian, utilizing ERPs to capture the neural responses associated with this syntactic operation. The focus is on the N200 component, a neural marker associated with detecting syntactic anomalies and structural parsing, located in the left anterior region of the brain. Friederici’s language processing model, postulating that this component is crucial for structural information processing, provides the theoretical framework for this investigation.
Methods
Four different syntactic conditions, each involving repositioning the interrogative complement, were designed to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying topicalization in Persian. For each condition, 50 sentences were created, resulting in a total of 200 sentences. These sentences were presented to participants on a computer screen in a controlled experimental setting. Participants were instructed to read the sentences silently while maintaining minimal facial and lip movement to ensure the accuracy of the electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings.
The experimental procedure involved displaying sentences one at a time, each being broken down into constituent phrases. Participants’ brain responses were recorded using a 64-electrode EEG cap, focusing on the N200 component. The primary task for participants was to comprehend the sentences without vocalizing them, thereby isolating the cognitive processes involved in syntactic parsing and comprehension.
The EEG data were preprocessed to remove artifacts and noise, ensuring that the recorded ERPs accurately reflected the brain’s response to the syntactic manipulations. The analysis focused on the N200 component, which was expected to show variations in amplitude depending on the syntactic condition. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS-27 software, comparing the ERP responses across the different conditions to identify significant differences in brain activity related to the topicalization of interrogative complements.
Results
The findings reveal that the topicalization of interrogative complements in Persian leads to distinct neural responses, as evidenced by variations in the N200 component. Specifically, when the interrogative complement is moved to the beginning of the sentence, there is a significant increase in the N200 amplitude in the left anterior region of the brain. This suggests that the brain recognizes this syntactic movement as a marked structure, requiring additional cognitive resources for processing.
These results support the hypothesis that the topicalization process in Persian is not merely a surface-level syntactic change but involves deeper neurophysiological mechanisms. The increased N200 amplitude indicates that the brain engages in more intensive structural parsing and anomaly detection when dealing with sentences that deviate from the canonical SOV order.
The study’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of language processing and the neurobiological basis of syntax. The increased N200 amplitude associated with the topicalization of interrogative complements suggests that the brain’s response to syntactic movement is consistent with Friederici’s language processing model. This model posits that the left anterior region of the brain plays a crucial role in handling structural information and detecting syntactic anomalies.
Moreover, the study highlights the importance of marked structures in communication. By repositioning interrogative complements to the beginning of a sentence, speakers can create emphasis and clarity, facilitating more effective discourse. The neural evidence provided by this study underscores the cognitive effort involved in processing these marked structures, reflecting the brain’s capacity to adapt to syntactic variability in language.
In addition, the findings contribute to the broader field of psycholinguistics by providing empirical evidence of the neurophysiological processes underlying syntactic movement. This research bridges the gap between linguistic theory and cognitive neuroscience, demonstrating how abstract syntactic operations are realized in the brain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidence that the topicalization of interrogative complements in Persian involves distinct neurophysiological processes, as indicated by variations in the N200 component. The results align with Friederici’s language processing model, highlighting the brain’s role in structural parsing and anomaly detection. These findings enhance our understanding of the cognitive mechanisms underlying language processing and underscore the significance of marked structures in communication.
The implications of this research extend beyond Persian, offering insights into the universal principles of syntax and discourse processing in natural languages. By elucidating the neural basis of topicalization, this study contributes to the broader endeavor of understanding the intricate relationship between language and the brain.
Ethical Considerations
The ethical conduct of this study adhered to the highest standards of research integrity. All participants provided informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study, ensuring that they were fully aware of the nature and purpose of the research. The study design included measures to protect the privacy and confidentiality of participant data. Participants were tested individually in a quiet, dimly lit room to ensure their comfort and minimize distractions. They were also instructed to avoid consuming any substances that might affect nervous system or cognitive functions for 24 hours before the experiment. Additionally, the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shahid Beheshti University, with the approval ID: IR.SBU.REC.1402.099, ensuring that all procedures comply with ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects.
Authors’ contributions
The first author wrote the draft paper. After reviewing and applying some corrections by other authors, the second author compiled the final version.
Funding
This research has been done at the author’s expense.
Acknowledgments
This article is a part of my PhD dissertation. The authors appreciate all experts and professors for their advice.
Conflict of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
Keywords: Psycholinguistics, Linguistics, Topicalization, Interrogative complements, Event-related potentials
Type of Study: Research |
Received: 2024/06/14 | Accepted: 2024/11/19 | Published: 2025/01/16
Received: 2024/06/14 | Accepted: 2024/11/19 | Published: 2025/01/16
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