The Neural Basis for Gradience in Verb Argument Structure Representations
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This talk explores the neural basis of verb argument, structure parentheses VAS parentheses, and the gradient of transitivity in language processing. Verbs are central to sentence construction, yet they vary widely in the number and type of arguments tThey encode, shaping both lexical access and syntactic structure building. Drawing on evidence from fMRI, lesion – symptom mapping, and neuromodulation studies, den Ouden will highlight how transitive and intransitive verbs differentially recruit posterior temporal and inferior parietal regions with production demands additionally engaging inferior frontal cortex. Findings from large aphasia cohorts and AphasiaBank discourse analysis reveal reduced diversity and complexity of verb use, particularly in Broca’s aphasia, underscoring the functional impact of VAS deficits on communication. Finally, den Ouden will discuss whether VAS is best conceived as categorical or gradient, presenting recent neuroimaging results that suggest argument structure may be represented as a graded, associative property that bridges conceptual event representations and syntactic realization
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