The impact of temporal patterns on short-term memory for speech and on language learning

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BACKGROUND. In working memory theory, the ability to represent and immediately repeat back fairly meaningless verbal material is referred to as phonological short-term memory (PSTM). In one theoretical framework, this is handled by the phonological loop construct. Most commonly, PSTM is assessed by probing memory for random sequences of digits (digit span) or accuracy to repeat back heard nonwords (nonword repetition). Serial order memory for both word-size items and new phoneme combinations is thought to be essential in language acquisition. The basic research here aims to open up a new window on understanding the mechanisms that support PSTM and, indirectly, word and general language acquisition. THE RESEARCH introduces a novel perspective on PSTM, suggesting that temporal patterns, or rhythms, underlie representation of combinations of phonemes, syllables, words and phrases. The approach is inspired by both the PI's own and other researchers' recent findings of PSTM in developmental language disorders, such as dyslexia and developmental language disorder (DLD). It further builds on hypotheses by Mari Riess Jones on auditory attention as entrainment when temporal rhythms in sequences of external stimuli interact with those generated by the brain, as sets of neural cell populations communicate with each other. The research program will investigate well-known benchmark phenomena in PSTM. Instead of interpreting them in terms of phonological or articulatory complexity, we will investigate how the predictability of the temporal patterns of verbal stimuli affects STM. For instance, it should be harder to remember a list of words with variable stress patterns, than a list where all items have the same stress pattern. We will also investigate temporal structure effects of an interference task in which repeating aloud a simple spoken sequence, such as "blah, blah" leads to poor recall. Possibly, it is the temporal structure of the repeated verbal ouput that blocks phonological coding in STM (the inner voice) and interferes with STM. SHORT-TERM OBJECTIVES include the exploration of temporal predictability effects for classical benchmark phenomena in PSTM. EEG will be recorded to relate the behavioural findings to brain entrainment phenomena in different oscillatory frequency bands. The LONG-TERM OBJECTIVE is to deepen our understanding of the role of STM in individual differences in language development, learning, and literacy skills. One step is to understand the roles of representing absolute and relative time, as well as temporal order in STM, to support language functions and development. INNOVATION AND SIGNIFICANCE. The research will significantly refine the construct of PSTM (the phonological loop), a key construct in understanding how working memory affects language acquisition. Significant real-world applications will enable assessment and evidence-based rhythmic interventions for the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, DLD and dyslexia.