Music, Language and the Brain

What makes a song a song — and how does our brain know the difference between music and speech? For adults, the distinction feels effortless. A conversation sounds like language; a melody sounds like music. But for infants encountering the world for the first time, these two forms of human communication are not so easily separated. In this fascinating lecture, Dr. Christina Vanden Bosch der Nederlanden explores the science behind how we perceive, process, and learn from sound. Through research on the acoustics of music and language, she reveals how our brains distinguish between these two powerful communication systems—and why musical features may actually help us learn language. From early childhood development to foreign language learning and supporting individuals with dyslexia, this lecture uncovers the surprising ways music shapes the way we understand the world around us. Expect an engaging evening that will change the way you listen — to songs, conversations, and everything in between. 🧠 About the wonderful Prof. Christina Vanden Bosch Dr. Christina Vanden Bosch der Nederlanden is a researcher studying the perceptual, cognitive, and neural foundations of music and language across development. Her work examines how people attend to complex auditory information and how musical features can support language processing, particularly in individuals with dyslexia. Through her research, she explores the deep connections between how we hear, learn, and communicate. 📅 Date: September 21st, 2026 🕡 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM 📍 Location: Chef's Hall 🎤 Speaker: Prof. Christina Vanden Bosch Join us for a fascinating exploration of the sounds that shape us — and the surprising relationship between music, language, and the human brain. 🎟 Seats are limited!