Language is a cognitive function unique to humans. Therefore, understanding speech and reading are indispensable as they form the basis of social interaction and communication using spoken and written language. In addition to focusing on the neurocognitive basis of speech and reading, our laboratory uses neuroimaging techniques to study various topics, such as the relationship between reading and emotions, and the regulation of emotions through music. We also combine neuroimaging methods such as functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) with electroencephalogram (EEG), or magnetoencephalogram (MEG) with EEG to contribute to the field of clinical intracranial epilepsy research.

Tonal languages account for more than half of the world’s languages, but the related research has not received enough attention. Recent studies have pointed out that the geographical distribution of tonal languages worldwide is closely related to the distribution of two human mutant genes. This highlights the importance of studying the neurobiological mechanism of tones to clarify the relationship between the brain and language evolution. Following this line, we are currently conducting a series of studies on Chinese tones, such as the neurophysiology of tone processing, tone modulation, and tone representation in adults who use hearing aids.