PhonolEEGy is a two-day conference uniting experimental research based on EEG/MEG with phonological theory. While studies on linguistically relevant sound and its patterning using EEG/MEG are on the rise, research directly addressing phonological theory remains relatively scarce. The goal of PhonolEEGy is featuring presentations of established findings and fresh insights, as well as opportunities to discuss methodology, experimental design, and emerging projects. We invite participants to share their data, interpretations, and broader perspectives on the significance of neurophysiological evidence in shaping phonological theory. The conference aims to primarily promote EEG/MEG-based experimental evidence to refine and expand our understanding of phonological theory. We welcome presentations that not only showcase new or established data but also offer broader insights into the role of neurophysiological evidence within a linguistic context.
Although much of the current work relies on (asymmetric) MMN paradigms—using varied stimulus standards to evoke phonological, rather than phonetic, representations—we especially invite submissions employing alternative experimental protocols, including those using production data. Contributions should clearly articulate how their findings impact phonological theory and the interface between phonetics and phonology.
We also welcome EEG/MEG-based research that addresses aspects of phonology not directly linked to phonological theory, such as:
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- The transformation of the continuous acoustic signal into discrete phonological categories manipulated by the cognitive system.
- Perception and production routines in phonological or auditory processing.
- Neural encoding and localization of phonological items in the brain (e.g., segments, alternations, or markedness).
- Preattentive or sublexical speech processing.
- The processing of different phonological items (well- versus ill-formed, phonemic versus allophonic) and the kind of information stored in a phoneme (phonetic versus more abstract).
- We welcome contributions that link existing EEG/MEG/fMRI-based evidence with phonological theory, even if they do not present new neurophysiological data.
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After the previous editions in Nice, France (Fall 2020) and at UMASS Amherst (2023), the third PhonolEEGy conference will be held at the University of Salento in Lecce, Italy, from June 9th to 10th, 2025. We are particularly encouraging undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Salento to attend as part of the audience.
We look forward to your contributions and to fostering vibrant discussions at the intersection of neurophysiology and phonological theory.
Organizing Committee:
Mirko Grimaldi (web site)
Francesco Sigona (web site)
Federica Cavicchio (web site)
Tobias Scheer (web site)
Arild Hestvik (web site)