Cognitive processes underlying non literal language understanding: how? When? and Where

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The general aim of this research program is to examine the cognitive processes and neural substrate underlying non literal language understanding in young adults and elderly adults.  Non literal (NL) language includes metaphor, indirect speech acts, sarcasm, irony and many other linguistic constructions that produce an apparent need for comprehenders to go beyond what is literally stated to apprehend the communicative intent of speakers, and, consequently the meaning of utterances. There are two central questions concerning how we comprehend NL language. The first one is: are the literal and the NL meanings of the utterance activated simultaneously or is one of them is achieved preferentially? The second question concerns the neural substrate involved in NL language processing: Is there a cerebral asymmetry in favour of a specificity of the right hemisphere (RH) in the processing of NL language? Given such asymmetry a third question follows: does age influence the neural networks sustaining NL language processing? No study has succeeded in teasing apart the different processes underlying NL language processing. Moreover, there is no study comparing irony and metaphor processing using imaging methods. Finally, there is no consensus concerning the neural substrate involved in NL language processing. Behavioural approach and Near infrared spectroscopy-Diffused optical imaging techniques (NIRS-DOT) will be used in this research program. Thus, NIRS-DOT allows subtle temporal discrimination between the time courses of either phenomena during comprehension, and provides sufficient spatial resolution to identify a possible role of the right hemisphere in NL language processing. Results of the present research program will contribute to a better understanding of the brain and cognitive mechanisms that allow high level language processing in young and elderly adults.