NEUROMODULATION IN SEMANTIC RESEARCH: A NEW PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Neuromodulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), have emerged as powerful tools for understanding the neural representations of various language processing processes. This review comprehensively examines the role of increasingly frequent neuromodulation research in linguistic inquiries and its effects on semantic processes over the past two decades. The study addresses the impact of neuromodulation techniques on semantic processes including lexical access, semantic context integration, and conceptual mapping. A literature review was conducted using search terms such as "TMS," "tDCS," "lexical access," "semantic context integration," and "conceptual mapping" across databases like PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant and current studies in the field. The search results were compiled through annual classification of studies and examination of topic-specific contents. The review reveals that research on semantic systems involving neuromodulation highlights the significant roles of not only the frontal, temporal, and parietal regions in the left hemisphere, but also the right hemisphere and even the cerebellum in semantic processing. Additionally, it is evident that neuromodulation techniques have become a crucial research tool for investigating the relationship between language and communication through various aspects of the brain. Future studies are expected to further detail the effects of these techniques on a broader range of language processing processes. This review aims to inspire and encourage linguists to explore language through these dynamic and rapidly evolving neuromodulation techniques.

Keywords

• semantic
• lexical access
• neuromodulation
• neurolinguistics

ANLAMBİLİM ARAŞTIRMALARINDA BEYİN UYARIMI: YENİ BİR PERSPEKTİF

Öz

Transkraniyal manyetik stimülasyon ve transkraniyal doğru akım stimülasyonu gibi beyin uyarım teknikleri, çeşitli dil işleme süreçlerinin beyindeki temsillerini anlamak üzere son yıllarda sıklıkla başvurulan yöntemler olarak ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu derleme çalışması, son yirmi yılda sıklığı giderek artan beyin uyarımı araştırmalarının dilbilimsel sorgulamalardaki rolünü ve semantik işlemler üzerindeki etkilerini kapsamlı bir şekilde incelemektedir. Çalışmada beyin uyarımı tekniklerinin sözcüksel erişim, semantik entegrasyon ve kavramsal eşleme gibi semantik süreçler üzerindeki etkileri ele alınmaktadır. Literatür taraması, bu alandaki güncel ve ilgili çalışmaları belirlemek amacıyla, "TMS", "tDCS", "lexical access", "semantic context integration" ve "conceptual mapping" gibi arama terimleri ile PubMed ve Google Scholar gibi veri tabanları kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Arama sonuçları, çalışmaların yıllık bazda sınıflandırılması ve konuya özgü içeriklerin incelenmesiyle derlenmiştir. Derlemede beyin uyarımı ile yapılan semantik sisteme ilişkin araştırmalar, semantik işlemede rolü olduğu öne sürülen beynin sol yarıküresindeki frontal, temporal ve parietal alanların yanı sıra, sağ yarıküre ve hatta serebellum gibi bölgelerin bile semantik işlemlemede önemli rolleri olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Yanı sıra, beyin uyarımı tekniklerinin dil ve iletişim arasındaki ilişkiyi beynin çeşitli yönleriyle araştırmak için önemli bir araştırma aracı haline geldiği açıkça gözlenmektedir. Gelecek çalışmaların, bu tekniklerin daha geniş bir yelpazede dil işleme süreçlerine olan etkilerini detaylandıracağı öngörülmektedir. Bu derlemenin, bu dinamik ve hızla gelişen beyin uyarımı teknikleri yoluyla dili araştırmak isteyen dilbilimcilere ilham vermesi ve onları teşvik etmesi amaçlanmaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• anlambilim
• sözcüksel erişim
• beyin uyarımı
• sinirdilbilim

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