When we think of everyday language use, the first things that come to mind include colloquial conversations, reading and writing e-mails, sending text messages or reading a book. But can we study the brain basis of language as we use it in our daily lives? As a topic of study, the cognitive neuroscience of language is far removed from these language-in-use examples. However, recent developments in research and technology have made studying the neural underpinnings of naturally occurring language much more feasible. In this book, a range of international experts provide a state-of-the-art overview of current approaches to making the cognitive neuroscience of language more 'natural' and closer to language use as it occurs in real life. The chapters explore topics including discourse comprehension, the study of dialogue, literature comprehension and the insights gained from looking at natural speech in neuropsychology.

‘Pointing toward a bright, exciting, and socially relevant future for neurolinguistics, this star-studded collection of essays demonstrates that researchers need not confine themselves to rigidly controlled experiments involving sterile stimuli, but can instead employ a wide range of techniques to investigate how our brains subserve the richness of real-world language use.'

David Kemmerer - Purdue University

'This collection of essays may be of great value for the linguist looking for an introduction to state-of-the-art recent developments in methodology. Certainly, however, it is of great value to the researcher studying literary language in terms of empirical aesthetics and neuro-aesthetics. Though a complete lay person will find some of the material presented not easy to follow, the articles are written for a wider scientific audience than just the specialist. This stylistic attitude and, perhaps, didactic intention give testimony of the spirit governing the methodological movement of merging traditions of control and ecology.'

Pascal Nicklas Source: Scientific Study of Literature