Research on language perception in the Functional Neuroimaging Lab is motivated by the need to understand the neural basis of emotional deficits in mental disorders, as well as the neural basis of language-based psychotherapeutic interventions for emotion regulation. We study the neural circuits and mechanisms mediating speech and language perception in the human brain, language learning, and the interaction of language and emotion perception. We use behavioral, neuropsychological, and multimodal neuroimaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging – fMRI, electroencephalography – EEG) methods to study the neural substrates and dynamics of language and emotion perception with high spatial and temporal sensitivity.

Episodic and semantic memory are entwined and importantly modulate emotion perception. Semantic memory is modifiable through learning, and therefore a promising interventional target for the regulation of emotions. In one project, we are testing the potential of semantic associative training as a mean for modifying the perceived emotional valence of words. The objective is to develop an intervention for the remediation of negative biases in language perception.

There are important individual differences in language and emotion perception. Our investigations model the influence of biological and demographic variables, including sex. A more complete understanding of individual differences in language and emotion perception is needed for developing individually tailored, more effective, psychotherapeutic interventions.