ID:
508553
Durata (ore):
36
CFU:
6
SSD:
GLOTTOLOGIA E LINGUISTICA
Glottologia e linguistica
Anno:
2026
Dati Generali
Periodo di attività
Secondo Semestre (15/02/2027 - 04/06/2027)
Syllabus
Obiettivi Formativi
This course aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the neurobiological foundations of language and human communication, by combining notions in linguistics, psychology, and cognitive neuroscience.
In particular, the course will promote:
a) advanced knowledge of theoretical models and experimental research on language. Specifically, the course aims to provide students with an understanding of the processes involved in language and human communication, their neural basis, and their disruption in pathological conditions;
b) the development of critical thinking, analytical, and synthetic reasoning skills in the field of neurolinguistics and, more generally, experimental research on language.
Furthermore, the course aims to foster students’ ability to apply this knowledge and understanding effectively by developing their ability to:
understand potential applications of neurolinguistics through a range of methodological approaches, from classical neuropsychological testing to advanced neuroscientific techniques (EEG/fMRI) and natural language processing;
apply the ethical principles and standards relevant to the study of language and human communication.
After completing this course, students will be able to:
recognize and describe the main processes underlying the language faculty, from speech production and comprehension to grammar and lexico/semantic operations up to higher levels such as pragmatic processes supporting discourse, conversation, and figurative language understanding;
understand the neural correlates of different linguistic processes, as revealed by neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies;
recognize the profiles of language impairment associated with various clinical conditions, including aphasias, as well as neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative conditions;
be familiar with the main experimental tasks, neuropsychological tests, and computational approaches used to assess language and human communication in typical and atypical populations.
In particular, the course will promote:
a) advanced knowledge of theoretical models and experimental research on language. Specifically, the course aims to provide students with an understanding of the processes involved in language and human communication, their neural basis, and their disruption in pathological conditions;
b) the development of critical thinking, analytical, and synthetic reasoning skills in the field of neurolinguistics and, more generally, experimental research on language.
Furthermore, the course aims to foster students’ ability to apply this knowledge and understanding effectively by developing their ability to:
understand potential applications of neurolinguistics through a range of methodological approaches, from classical neuropsychological testing to advanced neuroscientific techniques (EEG/fMRI) and natural language processing;
apply the ethical principles and standards relevant to the study of language and human communication.
After completing this course, students will be able to:
recognize and describe the main processes underlying the language faculty, from speech production and comprehension to grammar and lexico/semantic operations up to higher levels such as pragmatic processes supporting discourse, conversation, and figurative language understanding;
understand the neural correlates of different linguistic processes, as revealed by neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies;
recognize the profiles of language impairment associated with various clinical conditions, including aphasias, as well as neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative conditions;
be familiar with the main experimental tasks, neuropsychological tests, and computational approaches used to assess language and human communication in typical and atypical populations.
Prerequisiti
No specific requirements.
Metodi didattici
This course will adopt a variety of learning methods, by blending traditional lectures with experiential learning activities and incorporating group discussions, case-based analyses, and practical exercises.
Verifica Apprendimento
The exam will be an oral assessment on a scale of 30 points.
During the exam, the student will be assessed on the extent to which they have achieved the learning objectives and how well they have integrated the knowledge acquired in the course. The exam will cover at least three distinct topics related to different domains of neurolinguistics. The evaluation will also be based on the student’s ability to communicate effectively and their use of appropriate scientific language.
During the exam, the student will be assessed on the extent to which they have achieved the learning objectives and how well they have integrated the knowledge acquired in the course. The exam will cover at least three distinct topics related to different domains of neurolinguistics. The evaluation will also be based on the student’s ability to communicate effectively and their use of appropriate scientific language.
Testi
Bambini V. (2012) Neurolinguistics. In J-O. Östman & J. Verschueren (Eds.), Handbook of Pragmatics (pp. 987-1013). John Benjamins.
Kemmerer, David (2022). Cognitive Neuroscience of Language, 2nd edition. Psychology Press [Selected chapters]
Cummings, Louise (2008) Clinical Linguistics, Edinburgh University Press. [Selected chapters]
Further material will be presented during the class.
Kemmerer, David (2022). Cognitive Neuroscience of Language, 2nd edition. Psychology Press [Selected chapters]
Cummings, Louise (2008) Clinical Linguistics, Edinburgh University Press. [Selected chapters]
Further material will be presented during the class.
Contenuti
The course will be organized into three modules plus one integrative module, covering different aspects of neurolinguistics:
The first module will provide an overview of neurobiological models of language, focusing on the transition from classical models proposed in the field of aphasiology, from the seminal studies of Broca and Wernicke, to more recent models incorporating categories and concepts from linguistics. The module will also introduce basic notions of linguistic operations and categories across different levels of analysis, together with their main neurocognitive correlates.
The second module will focus on an in-depth exploration of experimental findings combining EEG and fMRI to investigate the neurobiological basis of different linguistic processes and test theoretical models. It will introduce more neuroscience-oriented concepts and address methodological aspects of neurolinguistic research through examples of experimental studies.
The third module will focus on the classification and description of the main linguistic phenotypes associated with different brain disorders, including classical and progressive aphasia syndromes, as well as pragmatic/communicative impairment neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative conditions. The module will also present the main tools for assessing language impairment, from standard neuropsychological tests to computational tools, and will discuss approaches to language treatment.
The course includes also an integrative module (12 hours – not mandatory but recommended) devoted to deepening the application of AI-enabled natural language processing (NLP) methods and tools to the study of language impairment.
The first module will provide an overview of neurobiological models of language, focusing on the transition from classical models proposed in the field of aphasiology, from the seminal studies of Broca and Wernicke, to more recent models incorporating categories and concepts from linguistics. The module will also introduce basic notions of linguistic operations and categories across different levels of analysis, together with their main neurocognitive correlates.
The second module will focus on an in-depth exploration of experimental findings combining EEG and fMRI to investigate the neurobiological basis of different linguistic processes and test theoretical models. It will introduce more neuroscience-oriented concepts and address methodological aspects of neurolinguistic research through examples of experimental studies.
The third module will focus on the classification and description of the main linguistic phenotypes associated with different brain disorders, including classical and progressive aphasia syndromes, as well as pragmatic/communicative impairment neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative conditions. The module will also present the main tools for assessing language impairment, from standard neuropsychological tests to computational tools, and will discuss approaches to language treatment.
The course includes also an integrative module (12 hours – not mandatory but recommended) devoted to deepening the application of AI-enabled natural language processing (NLP) methods and tools to the study of language impairment.
Lingua Insegnamento
INGLESE
Altre informazioni
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Corsi
Corsi
PSYCHOLOGY, NEUROSCIENCE AND HUMAN SCIENCES
Laurea Magistrale
2 anni
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