Neural correlates of pronoun processing: An activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis
Loubna El Ouardi1, Mohamed Yeou2, Yasmeen Faroqi-Shah3
1Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States; Applied Language and Culture Studies Laboratory, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco.
Brain and Language
|October 17, 2023
Summary
This study explored the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Linguistics
- Psycholinguistics
Background:
- Pronoun comprehension involves complex cognitive operations, including reference assignment and resolution.
- The neural underpinnings of these pronoun processing mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
- Existing theories of pronoun comprehension require further neurobiological validation.
Approach:
- A systematic literature search and record assessment were conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 16 studies on pronoun processing were meta-analyzed.
- Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) meta-analysis was employed using GingerALE 3.0.1.
Key Points:
- Pronoun processing demonstrated significant functional convergence in specific brain regions.
- The left posterior middle temporal gyrus showed consistent activation.
- The left superior temporal gyrus also exhibited significant activation during pronoun comprehension.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that the left posterior temporal lobe plays a crucial role in pronoun processing.
- These areas are implicated in the retrieval, prediction, and integration of referential information.
- This meta-analysis provides neurobiological evidence supporting theories of pronoun comprehension.
