The Effects of Rhythmic Priming on Word Learning

Despite the similarities in structure, there is much debate surrounding the relationship between the music and language domains in the brain. Evidence for domain-specific mechanisms for the processing of music and language is found in studies of amusia and aphasia, but evidence for domain-general mechanisms has also been found. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether accurate production of a novel word�s rhythmic structure can be achieved through rhythmic priming. After a study phase in which fifty-nine participants were instructed to listen to rhythm sequences and identify pronunciations of twenty novel words, the participants were then asked to produce the twenty novel words. Additionally, half of the participants took part in audio-motor engagement during the study phase. Experimenters measured for accuracy of novel word pronunciations and reaction times were recorded. Results showed a significant effect of rhythm pattern on accuracy of novel word pronunciations; however, there were no other significant effects. This could be a result of the novel words being designed off of English language rules