Bridging phenomenology and neural mechanisms of inner speech: ALE meta-analysis on egocentricity and spontaneity in a dual-mechanistic framework.
Jaydan Pratts, Gorana Pobric, Bo Yao
Neuroimage November 15, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120399 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Corollary discharge Gingerale Inner speech Meta-analysis Perceptual simulation |
| Key findings | Argues that inner speech is generated by two distinct mechanisms depending on its phenomenological qualities: a corollary discharge mechanism relying on speech production regions and a perceptual simulation mechanism within speech perceptual regions. The authors report that an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of inner speech studies supports the idea that varieties of inner speech recruit different neural mechanisms. |
Abstract
The neural mechanisms of inner speech remain unclear despite its importance in a variety of cognitive processes and its implication in aberrant perceptions such as auditory verbal hallucinations. Previous research has proposed a corollary discharge model in which inner speech is a truncated form of overt speech, relying on speech production-related regions (e.g. left inferior frontal gyrus). This model does not fully capture the diverse phenomenology of inner speech and recent research suggesting alternative perception-related mechanisms of generation. Therefore, we present and test a framework in which inner speech can be generated by two separate mechanisms, depending on its phenomenological qualities: a corollary discharge mechanism relying on speech production regions and a perceptual simulation mechanism within speech perceptual regions. The results of the activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis examining inner speech studies support the idea that varieties of inner speech recruit different neural mechanisms.
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Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Inner speech and the neurobiology of psychosis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews June 22, 2026
- The multifaceted nature of inner speech: Phenomenology, neural correlates, and implications for aphasia and psychopathology Cognitive Neuropsychology February 17, 2025
- Inner speech as language process and cognitive tool. Trends in Cognitive Sciences December 2023