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Laterality across languages: Results from a global dichotic listening study using a smartphone application
Josef J Bless1, René Westerhausen, Janne von Koss Torkildsen
1a Department of Biological and Medical Psychology , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway.
Laterality
|January 15, 2015
Summary
Left-hemispheric language dominance is a general human trait, confirmed by a global study. However, the extent of this brain lateralization varies depending on an individual's specific language background.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psycholinguistics
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Left-hemispheric language dominance has been historically observed but primarily studied in Anglo-American populations.
- Previous research limitations include small sample sizes and lack of cultural diversity, potentially obscuring cross-linguistic variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the universality of left-hemispheric language dominance across diverse linguistic backgrounds.
- To examine whether linguistic and cultural factors modulate the degree of brain lateralization for language.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a global dichotic listening experiment utilizing a smartphone application for large-scale, remote data collection.
- Collected data from over 4,000 participants representing more than 60 distinct language backgrounds.
Main Results:
- Confirmed left-hemispheric language dominance as a general phenomenon across a diverse global sample.
- Demonstrated that the degree of language lateralization is significantly modulated by participants' linguistic background.
Conclusions:
- Left-hemispheric language dominance is a widespread characteristic, but its expression is influenced by cultural and linguistic factors.
- Highlights the necessity of incorporating diverse samples and considering cultural specificities in psychological research.
