How music training influences language processing: Evidence against informational encapsulation

Résumé 0

In order to investigate the modularity of language processing and, more specifically, the question of whether the language module is informationally encapsulated, many experiments have examined the impact of musical expertise and music training on the language system, particularly regarding phonology, semantics, and syntax. Finding positive evidence would argue against language as an independent ability isolated from other cognitive abilities. We first review the evolution of global or “massive” modularity, as advocated by Fodor in his influential book (1983), to a reduced local modularity (Fodor 2003). We then consider experimental data that show that musical abilities, as well as other cognitive abilities (attention, memory, executive functions) influence language processing. These influences are seen in behavior as well as in the complex brain networks that sustain behavior. In sum, evidence is accumulating in support of the idea that the language system is not independent from other cognitive abilities.