Media

HKU study establishes Link between Language and Colour Perception in Human Brain

04 Apr 2008

 

Does the language people speak influence their perception of the world? Recent findings by a research team at the State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) establish, for the first time, that it may well do.

Using new neuro-imaging techniques, the team found neuro-physiological evidence of patterns of brain activation that signal the link between language and colour perception. The findings represent a major break-through on this research topic which scientists have been investigating for over 50 years.

This work also serves as a demonstration of a new method for the study of the age-old question of how people's experience might be shaped by their language. Further research on the relationship between language and perception can be expected to have direct relevance to language teaching, especially in enhancing the effectiveness of people's learning of second and foreign languages.

Members of the media are cordially invited to a press briefing in which key members of the research team will elaborate on their major findings.

Date: April 7, 2008 (Monday)
Venue: Convocation Room (Room 218), Main Building, HKU
Time: 12:00 noon
Speakers:
■ Dr LUKE Kang Kwong, Senior Lecturer, Department of Linguistics, HKU
■ Professor Li-Hai TAN, Professor, Department of Linguistics, HKU
■ Dr Alice CHAN, Honorary Assistant Professor, Department of Linguistics, HKU

For enquiries please contact:-
- Ms Denise Wong, Manager (Media), External Relations Office, HKU (Tel: 2859 2600 / E-mail: denise.wong@hku.hk)
- Dr Luke Kang Kwong, Senior Lecturer, Department of Linguistics, HKU (Tel: 2859-2773 /E-mail: kkluke@hkusua.hku.hk)