Brain dynamics sustaining rapid rule extraction from speech

Language acquisition is a complex process that requires the synergic involvement of different cognitive functions, which include extracting and storing the words of the language and their embedded rules for progressive acquisition of grammatical information. As has been shown in other fields that study learning processes, synchronization mechanisms between neuronal assemblies might have a key role during language learning. In particular, studying these dynamics may help uncover whether different oscillatory patterns sustain more item-based learning of words and rule-based learning from speech input. Therefore, we tracked the modulation of oscillatory neural activity during the initial exposure to an artificial language, which contained embedded rules. We analyzed both spectral power variations, as a measure of local neuronal ensemble synchronization, as well as phase coherence patterns, as an index of the long-range coordination of these local groups of neurons. Synchronized activity in the gamma band (2040 Hz), previously reported to be related to the engagement of selective attention, showed a clear dissociation of local power and phase coherence between distant regions. In this frequency range, local synchrony characterized the subjects who were focused on word identification and was accompanied by increased coherence in the theta band (48 Hz). Only those subjects who were able to learn the embedded rules showed increased gamma band phase coherence between frontal, temporal, and parietal regions.

El diario personal : propuestas para su escritura.

Se presentan una serie de indicaciones dirigidas a profesores que quieran desarrollar en sus clases la actividad de escribir un diario. El manual se divide en cinco unidades: el diario íntimo, diario de viaje, diario del naturalista, diario amoroso y diario del lector. Cada una de ellas aborda la relación con el mundo desde una perspectiva diferente aunque todas ellas complementarias. Las cuatro primeras pueden trabajarse en el orden en que se presentan y la última, que es la más extensa y que está centrada en los cuentos, sería mejor utilizarla de forma paralela intercalándola con las otras. El objetivo final es que el alumno vaya redactando por su cuenta un diario durante al menos treinta días con las anotaciones personales que el considere y que a su vez se desarrollen en clase los ejercicios que aparecen a lo largo del libro.