A review of functional MRI application for brain research of Chinese language processing

As one of the most widely used languages in the world, Chinese language is distinct from most western languages in many properties, thus providing a unique opportunity for understanding the brain basis of human language and cognition. In recent years, non-invasive neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) blaze a new trail to comprehensively study specific neural correlates of Chinese language processing and Chinese speakers. We reviewed the application of functional MRI (fMRI) in such studies and some essential findings on brain systems in processing Chinese. Specifically, for example, the application of task fMRI and resting-state fMRI in observing the process of reading and writing the logographic characters and producing or listening to the tonal speech. Elementary cognitive neuroscience and several potential research directions around brain and Chinese language were discussed, which may be informative for future research.