Language and cognition : Language at Leeds

This research theme focuses on the interplay between language and cognition. We study child language development, bilingual and second language acquisition, language processing by adults and children, language impairment, the unveiling of language competence in adults, and the formal properties of language. We address a range of more specific research questions. In relation to language acquisition, what are the cognitive correlates of bilingualism in children? What predicts children’s informativity? How is vocabulary acquired in childhood and in adulthood, and what is the impact of sleep and nutrition on the consolidation process? In relation to language processing, how do we deal with semantic ambiguity? How do we process non-literal meanings? How do self-monitoring and self-correction work? How do working memory and language interact?

To address these questions, we use a range of techniques and measures, including behavioural responses, reaction-time, eye-tracking, electroencephalography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and transcranial direct current stimulation.