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Syntactic processing engages the semantic control network
Qianwen Chang1, Elizabeth Jefferies2, Rebecca L Jackson2
1State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
Imaging Neuroscience (Cambridge, Mass.)
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Syntactic processing engages the semantic control network (SCN), distinct from semantic representation. This suggests shared neural resources for complex language demands, impacting language comprehension and production.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Linguistics
Background:
- The neural basis of language, specifically the separation of syntax and semantics, remains debated.
- Prior neuroimaging studies have yielded conflicting results, partly due to not differentiating semantic representation from semantic control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural overlap and distinctions between syntactic processing and semantic control.
- To identify brain regions differentially engaged by varying levels of syntactic and semantic control demands.
Main Methods:
- An activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis was performed on neuroimaging data.
- Regions engaged by demanding versus less demanding syntactic processing were compared with those for semantic processing.
Main Results:
- Demanding syntactic processing activated regions within the semantic control network (SCN), including the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and insula.
- No brain regions outside the SCN showed greater activation for syntax than semantic control.
- Specific parts of the left IFG and posterior temporal cortex showed differential engagement for syntactic versus semantic control, with some areas showing greater activation for syntax.
Conclusions:
- Syntactic processing is neurally distinct from semantic representation.
- Demanding syntactic processing recruits parts of the SCN, indicating shared neural mechanisms for flexible language use.
- Both syntactic and semantic control involve multimodal processing in key language areas like the IFG and posterior temporal cortex.
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