주최: 서울대학교 뇌영상센터(SNUBIC)

과제명: 인프라 고도화: 고경사 확산 자기공명 영상장치 도입을 통한 뇌 구조와 기능에 대한 난제 해결(RS-2024-00435727)

후원: 국가연구시설장비진흥센터(NFEC), 교육부

Human communication rides on timing, prediction, and rhythm—key principles that music and language share. In this talk, I synthesize findings from my research programs showing that these domains rely on overlapping neural circuits spanning the auditory cortex, the dorsal auditory–motor stream, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. First, using fMRI, genetics, and behavioral paradigms (rhythmic tapping, language comprehension), I demonstrate that musical rhythm processing predicts individual differences in syntactic operations in language. Second, I present intervention studies in which rhythmic training—designed to strengthen auditory–motor coupling—supports language outcomes in populations with timing-related vulnerabilities (e.g., aphasia). Third, I describe mechanistic EEG work using beta binaural beat stimulation to enhance language processing. Across these projects, a common theme emerges: temporal prediction and auditory–motor synchronization act as core neural mechanisms linking musical rhythm to language processing and rehabilitation.. I close by outlining translational design principles—ecologically valid tasks and scalable digital delivery,—that can move music-informed language interventions from lab to clinic and classroom. Together, the evidence argues that when the brain keeps the beat, it becomes better at analyzing language structure—offering a principled path from shared circuits to practical therapies.