In the framework of embodied and situated cognition (Varela et al, 1993; Clark, 1997; Vygotsky, 1997 ; Barsalou, 2008), my research focuses on sensorimotor systems as interfaces between cognition and environment. It aims at providing new insights about the mutual influences between these systems and spoken language. To do so, I'm investigating the adaptation and learning of orofacial, respiratory and hand motor control in controlled experiments and through the analysis of more natural multimodal corpora (narrative task, dialogue). The objective is to provide empirical evidences that could contribute to the understanding of the cognitive processes that underlies communication; to the understanding of the relationships between speech and other motor systems; and to the improvement of rehabilitation methods when speech is impaired in adults or delayed in children. The original aspect of my work is to connect different research fields at theoretical and methodological levels. My researches are organized and motivated by the following issues:
Focus 1. Orofacial motor control and linguistic systems: How does orofacial motor control influence spoken language? What are the links between orofacial motor commands and speech linguistic units? What is/are the linguistic level(s) of motor commands learning and memory?
Focus 2. Breathing control in speech, interaction and coordination: What role(s) do individual and inter-individual breathing constraints play in the shaping of speech and communication? How is breathing control shaped by speech and communication?
Focus 3. Orofacial and limbs motor control: How and why could hand motor control help speech production? How are hand gestures helping to learn and rehabilitate speech? Is individual speech motor control sharing properties with individual limbs motor control?
Focus 4. Applied research and dissemination towards non-scientific audience : What is the role of sensorimotor systems in speech and language impairment of people with Down syndrom? What is the best communicative situation for these persons? How to involve people with intellectual deficiency, their families and professional surroundings in research? How to disseminate research progress to these people?
Focus 5. Sensorimotor experiences, HCI and skills learning: What is the influence of novel sensorimotor experiences induced by research in HCI (Human Computer Interaction) on our sensorimotor abilities and cognition? How could these tools help us to study motor control in human-human communication and the nature of cognitive processes created or modified by sensorimotor experience?
Grenoble Images Parole Signal Automatique laboratoire
UMR 5216 CNRS - Grenoble INP - Université Joseph Fourier - Université Stendhal