The Genetic Connection Between Rhythm and Language Skills

Recognizing and maintaining rhythm can be challenging, much like the process of learning a new language. Recent research suggests a genetic link between these two abilities.

Language comprehension and musicality have captivated neuroscientists for years. Numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between the two, indicating that individuals with strong musical abilities often exhibit heightened language skills. The capacity for vocal learning, or the ability to produce new sounds, is hypothesized to be a prerequisite for developing a sense of rhythm.

A comprehensive study conducted by researchers from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, USA, and the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in Nijmegen, Netherlands, aimed to uncover genetic similarities between rhythm and language. By analyzing data from over one million individuals, the researchers identified specific genetic variants associated with impaired rhythmic understanding and dyslexia. Conversely, variants linked to improved rhythmic abilities were correlated with better performance in language and reading tasks, as well as higher academic grades in linguistic subjects.

In the journal Nature Human Behaviour, the research team led by Gökberk Alagöz reported that rhythm and language share a total of 16 genetic loci. The findings indicate a complex genetic and neurobiological relationship between rhythmic musicality and language acquisition.

Dr. Reyna Gordon, a senior author and Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University, highlighted that the identified genetic variants primarily influence oligodendrocytes. These cells are crucial for maintaining connections between various regions of the brain. The human brain is characterized by strong connectivity between auditory and motor regions, which are generally considered essential for both language and musicality.