The processing and learning of pitch in speech

本研究探讨了音高在大脑中是如何加工的，以及它的神经组织如何受到语言加工中的学习和经验的影响。语言中的音高可以传达语言对比，如词汇音调或重音，或语法或非语言信息，如语调。 由于感知音高的声学基础基本上是相同的，无论事件是语言还是音乐，因此产生了一个根本的争论，即语言中的音高处理是依赖于其语言功能还是由声学特性决定的。我们的研究利用了四种语言，都使用音高的语调，但在他们的语言使用的语气不同，提供了一个理想的测试场的音高处理的系统研究。具体来说，我们研究的处理和学习普通话的音调和语调的非母语听众与不同的经验，在他们的母语（英语，挪威语和广东话）和非语言使用的音高（音乐家与非音乐家）。参与者包括儿童以及成人，研究人类大脑的可塑性与年龄和音高学习的经验。 在一系列的实验中，非母语普通话听者被训练感知普通话声调中音高的语言或非语言方面。他们训练前和训练后的表现通过行为和大脑成像（功能磁共振成像和脑电图）技术进行评估。本研究的发现将为理解认知神经组织和感知重组做出重大贡献，并导致对学习和经验的基本认知问题的见解。全球化导致越来越多的语言学习者，特别是在加拿大这样的多元文化社会。这项研究将深入了解语言学习的认知神经挑战。 此外，与大脑功能有关的学习问题对我们社会的许多其他方面具有重要意义，包括未来技术的发展，理解听力和视力受损者的需求，以及人类作为学习手段的基本感官能力。

This research investigates how pitch is processed in the brain, and how its neural organization may be affected by learning and experience in language processing. Pitch in language may convey linguistic contrasts such as lexical tone or stress, or grammatical or paralinguistic information such as intonation.  As the acoustic basis for perceived pitch is essentially the same, regardless if an event is language or music, a fundamental debate thus arises as to whether pitch processing in language is dependent on its linguistic function or determined by acoustic properties. Our research makes use of four languages which all use pitch for intonation but differ in their linguistic use of tone, offering an ideal testing ground for a systematic investigation of pitch processing. Specifically, we examine the processing and learning of Mandarin tone and intonation by nonnative listeners with different experience with linguistic use of pitch in their native languages (English, Norwegian and Cantonese) and nonlinguistic use of pitch (musicians versus nonmusicians). Participants include children as well as adults, examining the plasticity of the human brain with respect to age and experience in pitch learning.  In a series of experiments, nonnative Mandarin listeners are trained to perceive either linguistic or non-linguistic aspects of pitch in Mandarin tone. Their pre- and post-training performance is evaluated through behavioural and brain imaging (fMRI and EEG) techniques. Findings of this research will make a significant contribution to understanding cognitive neural organization and reorganization in perception as well as lead to insights into the fundamental cognitive issues of learning and experience. Globalization leads to more and more language learners, especially in a multicultural society like Canada. This research will give insight into the cognitive neural challenges of language learning.  In addition, issues relating learning with brain functions have important implications for many additional facets of our community, including the development of future technology, understanding the needs of the hearing and visually impaired, and the basic sensory abilities humans have as a means by which to learn.