Project description
Literacy and the brain
The ability to read is a complex process of accessing visual patterns connected to spoken language. In today’s society, we learn how to read at an early age. However, the specific mechanisms of the brain that let us achieve literacy have not yet been defined. The EU-funded SLANG project will conduct a nonlinear, longitudinal, single-subject research of the neuroplastic effects of the process of learning how to read in a specific environment of rural Northern India regions, where no schools exist and children are taught how to read by local teachers. The project will combine pioneering experimental methods, high-resolution MRI scanning and dense sampling design to explain the neurobiological mechanism of literacy in a model paving the way for a new era of effective learning programmes.
Objective
Written information permeates our digital society. Yet, surprisingly little is known about how our brains allow us to learn how to read, that is, to see language. An obvious solution would be to simply follow children that undergo literacy instruction in school. Schooling, however, broadly involves learning in various domains. Therefore, it would not allow any firm conclusions to be drawn about the specific neuroplastic effects of becoming literate. To surmount this challenge, SLANG moves the research setting to rural regions of Northern India where millions of children cannot attend school for economic reasons. These children will be taught how to read by local teachers (but not attend school) and scanned at a local magnetic resonance imaging facility using cutting-edge, high resolution techniques. Introducing an innovative dense-sampling design, I will walk new research avenues by tracking the emergence and refinement of literacy in a longitudinal, nonlinear fashion and at the single-subject level. Building on a novel experimental paradigm, my objectives are to uncover (1) how literacy creates a visual interface with the speech sound system (2) and the mental lexicon and (3) how literacy changes the way we process speech sounds. Meeting these objectives, I will pave the way for a neurobiologically grounded model of literacy learning. A translation of these insights into educational practice could help the EU and policymakers worldwide to lay the foundation for next-generation literacy instruction programs that are tailored to the specific resources of each individual learner.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-STG - Starting Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2019-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.