Event-related potentials reflecting the frequency of unattended spoken words: A neuronal index of connection strength in lexical memory circuits?

► Spoken word's lexical frequency affects left-frontal ERP dynamics at ~ 100-130 ms with more negative-going responses for more frequent words. ► Latency of lexicality effects is suggestive of more rapid access to frequent words. ► These effects appear to be generated by fronto-temporal cortical networks. ► Word-specific distributed neuronal memory circuits can be activated automatically. ► The activation speed and size depend on the circuit's internal connection strength which is determined by the everyday language use.