We investigated the mechanisms underlying the online-processing of phonological constraints using oddball
fast-periodic visual stimulation coupled with EEG. We focused on the Sonority Sequencing Principle and
examined whether steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) are sensitive to the sonority constraint on
syllable onsets. Native French speakers were presented with streams of CCVC non-words (C: consonant, V:
vowel) at a fixed 6-Hz base rate.We manipulated the phonological well-formedness and lexical attestedness of
CC onsets in two conditions. SSVPs were observed at the base rate associated to visual stimuli. As expected,
they did not differ between conditions. Oddball SSVEPs were observed at 1.2 Hz (and its harmonics) and
differed in the two conditions. These results showed that SSVEPs are sensitive to sublexical features. They
also suggest that the processing of phonological constraints rely on mechanisms which could be dissociated
from those underlying the processing of statistical properties of the lexicon.
Keywords: Steady-state evoked potentials, fast-periodic visual stimulation, sonority sequencing principle,
Phonological constraints processing, sublexical features
Vincent, M. A., Vanstavel, S., Patin, C., Mejias, S. & Basirat, A. (2022). Brain responses to lexical attestedness and phonological well-formedness as revealed by fast periodic visual stimulation. Brain and Language. [In Press]