Proposals appropriate for submission to this topic area focus on basic science research investigating language comprehension and expression, as well as speech production and perception, specifically in individuals without communication disorders, across the lifespan. This includes research on how speech and/or language are processed and produced across languages and cultures and research on the measurement and/or modeling of speech and language perception, comprehension, planning, and production. Research exploring the cognitive and neural underpinnings of speech and language, as well as language across various modalities (including spoken, written, and signed forms) is especially welcome. Interprofessional education and/or research that addresses the implementation of interprofessional competencies within curricula related to speech and language science should also be included in this topic area.

Research and Professional Education

• Foundational scholarship (i.e., scholarship that supports the development of applied work in assessment and treatment) related to speech and language science across modalities, including sign, writing, and speaking
• Translational, applied, or implementation research related to speech and language science
• Neural and/or genetic bases of typical speech and language production and perception
• Examination of the interfaces between speech and language, between perception and production, and/or between sensorimotor and cognitive processes in speech and language
• Language learning, including second language acquisition, and cross-linguistic factors impacting speech production and comprehension
• Development of methods and research technologies for understanding language, speech, and the cognitive-linguistic skills and sociocultural knowledge that support language and speech
• Development, testing, or refinement of theoretical and/or computational models related to the development and use of speech and language across the lifespan
• Development or implementation of innovative education and training materials or approaches related to topics in speech and language science
• Educational, professional, and interprofessional issues specific to speech and language science
• Ethics and technology issues related to speech and language science

Related Topics

Proposals related to speech and language science but primarily focused on:

• Techniques in neurogenic language disorders should be submitted to the Language Disorders in Adults or the Acquired Cognitive Communication Disorders topic areas.
• Speech perception related to hearing or hearing loss should be submitted to the Hearing, Tinnitus, and Vestibular Science topic area.
• The use or development of transformative technologies such as large language models (LLMs) and other forms of artificial intelligence (AI) for diagnosis or treatment of communication disorders should be considered for submission to the Innovations in Technology topic area.