Hoshi, Kouji

My areas of specialization are biolinguistics and neurolinguistics. My current research aims to elucidate how the biological foundations of the uniquely human capacities for language and music are instantiated in the brain, as well as how these two capacities originated and evolved over the course of human evolution, encompassing both biological and cultural evolutionary processes. In particular, I am currently interested in the potential of music-based interventions (music therapy) for aphasia, a language disorder, and am engaged in exploring effective methodological approaches for such interventions. My earlier work focused on grammatical research grounded in generative grammar, a theoretical framework within theoretical linguistics. More recently, however, my interests have shifted toward the interfaces between linguistics, biology, and neuroscience. In this context, I also participate in international collaborative research projects centered on issues relating to the brain, language, and music. Message to Students I am constantly reminded that the most challenging task in research is discovering truly interesting questions. When you enter Keio University, I encourage you to cultivate—through the systematic study of academic disciplines—the ability to identify questions for yourselves and to pursue their answers by thinking deeply and rigorously with your own minds.

• (Child) Aphasiology, Language Evolution, Cognitive Neuroscience of Language and Music

Linguistics