The role of the human cerebellum in linguistic prediction, word generation and verbal working memory: evidence from brain imaging, non-invasive cerebellar stimulation and lesion studies

Abstract

Lesion studies emphasize the role of the human cerebellum in a variety of cognitive processes. To date, most evidence comes from studies investigating language-related functions, such as verbal short-term/working memory, word generation, or linguistic/semantic predictions. This review summarizes brain imaging, non-invasive cerebellar stimulation and lesion studies in this field. Converging evidence suggests a cerebellar role in error processing and memory encoding although findings are partly contradictory. Future research should focus on common principles of cerebellar processing across different forms of cognitive performance to assess basic principles of cerebellar function.

Keywords: Brain imaging; Cerebellar lesion; Cerebellum; Cognition; Functional magnet resonance imaging; Non-invasive brain stimulation; Sematic prediction; Transcranial direct current stimulation; Transcranial magnetic stimulation; Verbal memory; Verbal processing.