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In your right mind: right hemisphere contributions to language processing and production
1School of Psychology, University of Wales, Bangor, UK. a.lindell@bangor.ac.uk
Neuropsychology Review
|November 17, 2006
Summary
The prevailing view of cerebral lateralization suggests the left hemisphere dominates language. However, research shows the right hemisphere also possesses significant language processing strengths, challenging this dichotomy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Linguistics
Background:
- Cerebral lateralization is often described as a verbal/nonverbal dichotomy between brain hemispheres.
- The left hemisphere is recognized as the dominant language processor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research demonstrating the right hemisphere's significant language processing capabilities.
- To challenge the notion that language is exclusively a left-hemisphere function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on right hemisphere involvement in language.
- Analysis of research covering speech production, reception, interpretation, and visual word recognition.
Main Results:
- The right hemisphere shows strong involvement in prosodic and paralinguistic aspects of speech.
- Evidence indicates right hemisphere participation in prelexical, lexical, and postlexical word recognition.
- Research challenges the exclusive "verbal" role of the left hemisphere in language.
Conclusions:
- The right hemisphere makes significant contributions to normal language processing.
- The dichotomy of language lateralization requires re-evaluation based on current evidence.
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