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Neuroplasticity of sign language: implications from structural and functional brain imaging
Martin Meyer1, Ulrike Toepel, Joerg Keller
1Institute of Neuroradiology, Department Medical Radiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland. mmeyer@access.uzh.ch
Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience
|October 19, 2007
Summary
German Sign Language (DGS) processing in deaf individuals shows distinct neural patterns compared to hearing non-signers. Brain anatomy in deaf users may adapt structurally due to early visual language exposure.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Linguistics
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Sign language utilizes a visuo-spatial modality for linguistic information.
- Understanding the neural basis of sign language processing is crucial for comprehending language acquisition and brain plasticity.
- Previous research has explored sign language processing, but the impact of early, lifelong visual language exposure on neural networks requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural correlates of German Sign Language (Deutsche Gebärdensprache; DGS) processing.
- To compare the impact of the visuo-spatial mode of sign language on neural networks versus the interpretation of linguistic information.
- To examine how early and prolonged DGS use influences brain structure and function in deaf individuals.
Main Methods:
- Functional MRI (fMRI) at 3 Tesla was employed with two groups: prelingually deafened DGS users and hearing non-signers.
- Participants viewed identical video sequences of DGS sentences presented as dialogues.
- Brain responses were analyzed using two procedures: multi-subject averaging and an anatomy-based approach to account for inter-individual variability.
Main Results:
- Anatomy-based analysis revealed leftward asymmetry in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, temporal gyri, and visual association cortices for DGS processing in deaf individuals.
- Standard averaging showed a less lateralized peri- and extrasylvian network in deaf DGS users.
- Voxel-based morphometry indicated white-matter deficits in specific fasciculi and altered Sylvian Fissure morphology in the deaf group.
Conclusions:
- The cerebral anatomy of deaf individuals may undergo structural changes due to early, monomodal visual sign language perception.
- These findings highlight the brain's remarkable plasticity in adapting to different sensory modalities for language processing.
- The study underscores the importance of considering individual anatomical variability in neuroimaging research of sign language users.
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