Project description
Listening to the rhythm of speech
Rhythm is a key element of speech, often overlooked in language tests. While keeping a steady beat is seen as important, natural conversation rarely follows perfect timing. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the FlexyRhythm project argues that true language skill lies in what we can do, not just what we know. It is developing a new test and using brain imaging to explore how flexible rhythm abilities relate to language learning – both native and second language learning – and speech recovery after stroke. By studying how the brain links sound and movement, FlexyRhythm aims to improve language teaching methods and therapies for speech and language disorders.
Objective
FlexyRhythm aims to move beyond traditional assessments of rhythmic abilities in the speech domain by proposing the strong hypothesis that synchronizing to isochronous speech is necessary but not sufficient for developing language abilities. In addition to this, the ability to flexibly reproduce and synchronize to slightly irregular rhythms typical of natural speech is crucial for enhancing the brain’s capacity to track continuous speech in naturalistic contexts. The project will develop a novel test to assess these abilities and investigate the relationship between flexible rhythm production abilities and key aspects of the human speaking brain, including: (i) statistical learning as a proxy for language acquisition, (ii) native language processing, (iii) second language learning, and (iv) speech-motor and language deficits following stroke. By employing magnetoencephalography (MEG) and state-of-the-art analytical tools such as temporal response function, coherence, and transfer entropy, the project will objectively assess the human brain's capacity to track and encode acoustic and linguistic information during speech listening (cortical tracking of speech), the neural auditory-motor connectivity dynamics underlying tracking, and the relation with flexible rhythm production abilities. FlexyRhythm offers a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between rhythm and speech, advancing our understanding in both healthy and damaged brains, across native and second language learning. The findings will provide scientific insights and societal benefits, including improved language teaching methodologies and personalized healthcare strategies for acquired speech and language disorders.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
20009 San Sebastian
Spain
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.