09.09.2025 Special Issue in Brain Research: Origins of variability in acquiring and using linguistic knowledge

The special issue of the journal Brain Research, edited by Florian and Johanna, on the topic Origins of variability in acquiring and using linguistic knowledge, is now complete. The studies are complemented by an editorial that integrates and contextualizes them.

The ten contributions cover a wide range of topics – from early language development, to individual differences in language skills, to predictors of word learning and cross-cultural influences on language comprehension. A variety of methods are employed, including EEG, network analyses, large-scale behavioral studies, and machine learning.

Together, the studies demonstrate that linguistic variability arises from the interplay of cognitive resources, environmental factors, writing and language systems, as well as neurobiological foundations – offering valuable insights into the mechanisms of language acquisition and use across the lifespan.