Auditory memories and feedback processing for vocal learning

Abstract

Vocal learning is an ability shared by humans and songbirds, among few others species. The processes involved in acquiring speech or song share similarities based on generating an internal representation of auditory cues. Both innate mechanisms and environmental inputs can influence song learning and speech acquisition. In songbirds a specific neural network for vocal motor control, perception and song learning has been described, which makes this system suitable for studying the formation and representations of song memories. These representations interact with auditory feedback during vocal acquisition and maintenance of adult vocalizations. This mechanism for processing auditory feedback has both online and offline components. In this chapter we attempt to provide a thematic organization identifying limitations of our knowledge and posing questions for future studies.