[461] ‘MTSU On the Record’ keeps time with the rhythm of language

MURFREESBORO — The relationship between musical rhythm and speech rhythm is the topic on the next “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Cyrille Magne, an associate professor of psychology, will air from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, April 25, and 8 to 8:30 a.m. Sunday, May 1, on WMOT-FM (89.5 and www.wmot.org).

Magne and two academic colleagues authored research into the impact of music rhythm abilities on speech rhythm sensitivity. The research, which was funded with a National Science Foundation grant, was published in the academic journal “Brain and Language.”

Their study supports the idea that music training might enhance speech processing skills, which would benefit students in honing their overall literacy skills.

“All languages in the world have their own rhythm,” said Magne. “And, especially in English, what we think about rhythm are those little emphases you put on some syllables that we call stresses. The pattern of stress and stress syllables is really something that is unique to the English language.”

More information about MTSU research into the connection between the brain and language is available at http://tinyurl.com/zrdxjlr.

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, go to http://bit.ly/mtsu-otr.

For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.