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A large-scale estimate on the relationship between language and motor lateralization
Julian Packheiser1, Judith Schmitz2, Larissa Arning3
1Department of Biopsychology, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany. julian.packheiser@rub.de.
Scientific Reports
|August 5, 2020
Summary
Language processing is typically left-hemispheric. This large study found weak links between language lateralization and handedness, suggesting motor asymmetries have minimal influence, though sex differences may exist.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Human language processing predominantly occurs in the left cerebral hemisphere.
- Previous research suggests atypical language lateralization in left-/mixed-handers, but large-scale data is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the association between language lateralization and handedness in a large sample.
- To investigate the relationship between language lateralization, handedness, and footedness using continuous and categorical measures.
- To explore potential sex differences in language lateralization.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 1,554 individuals across three studies.
- Assessment of language lateralization via dichotic listening.
- Evaluation of handedness and footedness using lateralization quotients (LQs).
Main Results:
- 82.1% of participants showed typical left-hemispheric language lateralization.
- Handedness explained only 0.4% of the variance in language lateralization.
- Bayesian analyses found no evidence for a relationship between language lateralization and handedness.
- Atypical language lateralization was more common in left-handers and associated with atypical footedness.
- Males exhibited stronger left-hemispheric language processing than females.
Conclusions:
- Direct associations between language lateralization and motor asymmetries are weaker than presumed.
- Bayesian correlation analyses suggest no significant relationship between language lateralization and handedness.
- Sex differences in language lateralization may exist, potentially influenced by endocrinological factors.
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