Transient and Long-Term Linguistic Influences on Visual Perception: Shifting Brain Dynamics With Memory Consolidation

Abstract

Linguistic categories can impact visual perception. For instance, learning that two objects have different names can enhance their discriminability. Previous studies have identified a typical pattern of categorical perception, characterized by faster discrimination of stimuli from different categories, a neural mismatch response during early visual processing (100–200 ms), and effects restricted to the right visual field. However, it remains unclear whether language affects perception online or through long-term changes to mental representations in memory. To address this, we tested the impact of newly learned object categories with and without memory consolidation during sleep. We replicated the canonical pattern of categorical perception for categories that underwent consolidation. Without consolidation, linguistic categories still influenced early visual processing but with distinct neural dynamics. Therefore, we found evidence of both transient and long-term effects of language on perception and conclude that memory consolidation plays a crucial role in shaping how linguistic categories modulate perception.