Dr G Pobric, Dr C Capek, Prof S Hamdy
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
We are inviting applications for an MRC funded PhD studentship on “The role of motor systems on the functional neural organisation of language processing: Cross-linguistic evidence from sign and speech”.
About the project:
Theories of speech processing suggest different features as the crucial determinants of language processing. Generative grammar suggests that grammatical information drives speech perception [1] whereas the motor theory of speech perception proposes that language perception involves access to the speech production network [2]. Close links between brain areas involved in motor production and the perception of meaningful actions, including speech [3], have been clearly established.
For speech perception, both grammar and the potential connection between perception and production are confounded – as speech conveys grammatical information serially via a single articulator (mouth). However, signed languages (SLs), are produced by multiple articulators -- hands, mouth, head, which are under independent cortical control.
This project will use an integrative neuroscience approach combining neuroimaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI) and neurostimulation (motor evoked potentials, MEP, transcranial magnetic stimulation, TMS) to systematically explore the articulatory effects on the functional organisation of language processing in deaf native signers of British Sign Language (BSL). We will conduct parallel studies in hearing speakers of English where the questions of interest are permissible within the language structure, in order to gain a cross-linguistic approach to the motor systems in language perception.
This research will provide a major contribution to our understanding of the cortical organisation of language processing as well ultimately informing the development of therapeutic interventions for language impairment (e.g., aphasia). In addition, working on the project will develop the student’s academic career through gaining expertise in fMRI, MEP and TMS techniques, and will establish (or continue) a strong record of high quality papers published in high impact, peer-reviewed journals.
About the Supervisory Team:
Dr Capek specialises in fMRI methodology and characterising the functional neural representation of language processing using a cross-linguistic approach, including audio-visual speech and signed language processing. Dr Pobric specialises in TMS methodology and action/motor processing. Prof Hamdy has expertise in non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, tDCS) and has advanced skills in MEP methodology and neural plasticity associated with oro-facial/head and neck motor function (namely swallowing).
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/research/cheryl.capek/research
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/research/gorana.pobric/research
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/shaheen-hamdy(ad1e9a38-1a23-42f1-be55-91a6c052f1b1).html
Funding Notes
This project is to be funded under the MRC Doctoral Training Partnership. If you are interested in this project, please make direct contact with the Principal Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further as soon as possible. You MUST also submit an online application form, full details on how to apply can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/funded-programmes/mrc-dtp/.
Applications are invited from UK/EU nationals only. Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
References
[1] Frazier (1987). In M. Coltheart (Ed.), Attention and Performance XII (pp. 559-586). Hillsdale: Earlbaum. [2] Liberman & Mattingly (1985). Cognition, 21(1), 1-36. [3] Watkins, et al., (2003). Neuropsychologia, 41(8), 989-994.
Continue with Facebook
