Language is a

joint-action that (many might argue) distinguishes human primates from non-human primates.  More importantly, it is our most important tool for obtaining, organizing, and conveying information and for providing social cohesion. At the L.A.B. we research the neurobiology of language and action (did the acronym give it away?).  An overview of the main themes of the L.A.B. are:

The New Organization of Language and the Brain: It is often said that language is supported by a small set of brain areas in the left hemisphere. Prior experiments thought to localize hypothetical linguistic functions in the brain, however, do not resemble our everyday experience with language. In order to address the open question of how the brain supports language in natural settings, The L.A.B. Lab studies how the brain processes more ecological stimuli. Our research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying the use of "contextual" information contained in naturalistic stimuli. Research questions address how the brain uses: 

• Observable movements (e.g., mouth movements and gestures).
  
• Other types of non-verbal behavior (e.g., emotions).
• Prior knowledge and expectations (e.g., in predicting upcoming words).
• Other forms of contextual information (e.g., written text).
• These various contexts in conjunction. 
• These various contexts in throughout development.
  

The Role of the Motor System in Human Cognition and Action Perception: Much of the work we have done with respect to the new organization of language and the brain has shown that the motor system plays a central role in language. Specifically, the motor system becomes active when observing speech-associated movements or when expectations about forthcoming words are strong. We have also shown that the motor system plays an important role in the representation of word meaning and in observing naturalistic non-verbal actions (e.g., joint-actions like passing a cup). The L.A.B. does research on why and under what conditions the motor system becomes active in a manner similar to what would occur had the listener or observer produced movements.  Research projects address questions of the role of the motor system in:

For a much more detailed look at how these questions are addressed experimentally, please see our:

• Completed Experiments and
• Experiment in Progress