New Perspectives on Language Processing in Aging
A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurolinguistics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 April 2026 | Viewed by 1
Special Issue Editor
Interests: the neuropsychology of language in both adults and children; the analysis of the relationship between communication, language and cognitive functioning; cognitive neuroscience of bilingualism; phylogenetic evolution and ontogenetic development of language
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Research on language in aging has evolved considerably over the past four decades, highlighting that aging affects language production more profoundly than comprehension. Recent studies underscore the importance of examining both microlinguistic (lexical and grammatical) and macrolinguistic (pragmatic and discourse-level) processes using ecologically valid tasks such as narrative production. The aim of this Special Issue is to deepen our understanding of oral language processing in aging populations, also considering the effects of neurodegenerative conditions or acquired brain lesions. We seek to highlight cutting-edge work that goes beyond traditional single-word or sentence-level tasks, favoring studies that explore language in context and examine the interplay between linguistic and cognitive skills. This collection encourages submissions using innovative methodological approaches, including multilevel discourse analysis, longitudinal designs, and the assessment of underlying cognitive factors such as working memory, executive functions, and Theory of Mind. We welcome empirical studies, reviews, and theoretical contributions that focus on oral language in healthy older adults. By gathering interdisciplinary perspectives, the Special Issue aims to advance theoretical models of language aging and inform clinical practices targeting age-related communication challenges.
Prof. Dr. Andrea Marini
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- aging
- language
- cognition
- phonology
- lexical skills
- grammatical skills
- pragmatics
- discourse
- neuropsychology of language
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