Structure-building in music and language

This research project aims to explore the relationship between music and language by examining how their structures are built and processed in the brain, and how these processes depend upon enculturation. Both music and language use rules to combine elements into hierarchical structures, a process known as structure building. This project focuses on three types of structure building: melodic grouping and harmonic structure in music, and phonological rhyme in language. We will investigate how these different forms of structure building are processed by the brain, and explore the hotly debated possibility of shared neural resources. The project consists of three separable but complementary work packages (WPs). Work packages: 1. Melodic grouping across cultures (WP1): This study examines how the brain processes the grouping of musical notes into melodies, and to what degree this process depends on the "fit" between the style of the music and the cultural background of the listener. 2. Rhymeharmony interactions (WP2): This study looks at how rhyme in language (namely in poems and song lyrics) relates to harmonic structure in music. We hypothesise that the latter is more closely related to phonological structure in language (the sounds of speech) than to phrasal syntax (the arrangement of words into sentences). 3. The role of neuroplasticity in brain networks shared between music and language (WP3): This study will use non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to neuromodulate brain areas involved in harmonic processing, and explore in what ways this affects syntactic processing in language. Functional MRI (fMRI) will be used to observe changes in brain structure and brain activity before and after NIBS. Approach: WP1 and WP2 will use pupillometry to measure how the brain responds to different musical and linguistic structures. Pupillometry assesses changes in pupil diametre, which can indicate levels of cognitive arousal and surprise. WP3 will use NIBS and fMRI longitudinally, to study the causal role of various brain structures believed to be involved in the syntax of music and/or language. Innovation: Unique usage of NIBS to examine brain networks supporting syntax in music and language, combined with fMRI and pupillometry for a comprehensive assessment of brain function at high spatial and temporal resolution respectively. Inclusion of cross-cultural aspects through the use of music of various traditions, thus broadening scope and validity relative to previous Western-centric research paradigms. Contributions include important insights into broad aspects of human cognition by revealing fundamental principles governing human communication. These can also potentially inform clinical applications for the treatment of language disorders.