The cortical representation of speech perception: Current developments

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The interaction between speech perception and the brain's cortical activity remains an important area of study in neuroscience. Speech perception, an essential part of human communication, involves the processing of sounds, neural activities, and interpretation. Understanding how the brain deciphers and makes sense of speech is crucial for cognitive neuroscience and has practical applications in treating speech disorders and improving speech recognition technology.

This Research Topic aims to explore the latest advancements in understanding the cortical representation of speech perception. Our goal is to advance the understanding of the neural basis of how humans perceive and process speech, highlighting novel methodologies, theoretical models, and practical applications. We invite research that examines these neural correlates from diverse perspectives, including auditory neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and computational modeling.

Topics to Cover:

1. Neural Mechanisms: Investigations into the neural mechanisms that facilitate speech perception are central to this topic. We encourage studies employing neuroimaging techniques, such as fMRI and MEG, auditory evoked responses, such as MLR, P300 and FFR to elucidate how different areas of the brain contribute to the real-time processing of speech.

2. Developmental and Cross-Linguistic Perspectives: Speech perception is not static; it evolves from infancy through adulthood and varies across languages and cultures. We welcome research on how speech perception develops across the lifespan and how different linguistic environments shape cortical speech processing. Cross-linguistic studies comparing neural adaptations to diverse phonetic and phonological systems are of particular interest.

3. Disorders of Speech Perception: Clinical perspectives are crucial for translating basic research into therapeutic interventions. We welcome studies on disorders affecting speech perception, such as auditory processing disorders. Contributions may focus on diagnostic imaging, intervention strategies, and rehabilitation programs that aim to restore normative cortical function.

4. Innovations in Computational Modeling: Advances in computational models provide powerful tools to simulate and predict cortical processes underlying speech perception. We welcome papers that present novel models or refine existing ones, offering insights into the dynamics of neural networks during speech processing.


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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: speech, speech perception, auditory neuroscience, neuroimaging

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