Neurostimulation in Pragmatic Language Research: A Comprehensive Review

Pragmatic language involves the use of language in social interactions, including understanding conversational norms, interpreting non-literal language, and using language appropriately in various social contexts. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using brain stimulation techniques to study pragmatic language in both healthy and clinical populations. This review synthesizes recent research on the application of transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation in pragmatic language studies, highlighting the critical roles of brain regions such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the right temporo-parietal junction, and the left middle frontal gyrus. These areas are implicated in various aspects of pragmatic language, including the processing of idiomatic expressions, the comprehension of indirect speech acts, and decision-making during communication. While current research underscores the promise of these neuromodulation techniques, further studies are needed to optimize their application in both theoretical and clinical contexts.