Cortical γ-oscillations implement basic language operations: Evidence from electroencephalography in anaphora during english filler-gap dependency processing

Abstract

Hypotheses about top-down structure building propose that gamma (>30Hz) oscillations support the creation of syntax-semantics objects, contrasting with slow-rhythm entrainment of gamma oscillations tracking semantic fitness in bottom-up chunking. In bi-clausal filler-gap dependencies, like which message regarding/about him did Frank/Diana say__ that Diana/Frank received__ unexpectedly? , wh -fillers link to gap __ sites. Although adjunct noun-phrase modifiers (Mods) like regarding him and noun complements (Comps) like about him have equal contextual fitness, in anaphoric dependencies Mods are biased toward discourse coreference and Comps toward syntactic binding enabled by wh -dependencies. Anaphora resolution across syntax and discourse has been tied to increased power in low- and high-gamma oscillations in retrieval and integration of referential elements. This predicts gamma-range event-related power differences (ERPDs) as anaphora processes for Comps vs. Mods interact with matrix- vs. embedded-clause antecedents at gap sites in embedded-clause wh -dependencies, as clause-edge gaps support Comp-enabled syntax-constrained retrieval of referential elements in binding and as thematic gaps support referential relations into the sentential interpretation. Using cluster-based nonparametric permutation tests, Mod- vs. Comp-based anaphora-linked ERPDs were examined within 30–50 Hz and 50–90 Hz in evoked activity at say__ and received__ in 23 right-handed English speakers to capture cell-assembly formation in the creation of referential relations for Mods vs. Comps in wh -filler re-representations. Gamma-power differences for Mods vs. Comps in N1 antecedent-pronoun match vs. N1 antecedent-pronoun mismatch/N2 antecedent-pronoun match arose 30–50 Hz and 50–60 Hz at say__, and 50–90 Hz at received__ . Mod vs. Comp modulations of anaphora-linked gamma ERPDs at gap sites suggest that gamma oscillations implement referential relations in complex wh -dependencies.