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New science study findings have been reported from University of Manchester
2009 JUL 28 - (NewsRx.com) -- "Studies of written and spoken language suggest that nonidentical brain networks support semantic and syntactic processing. Event-related brain potential (ERP) studies of spoken and written languages show that semantic anomalies elicit a posterior bilateral N400, whereas syntactic anomalies elicit a left anterior negativity, followed by a broadly distributed late positivity," investigators in Manchester, the United Kingdom report. "The present study assessed whether these ERP indicators index the activity of language systems specific for the processing of aural-oral language or if they index neural systems underlying any natural language, including sign language. The syntax of a signed language is mediated through space. Thus the question arises of whether the comprehension of a signed language requires neural systems specific for this kind of code. Deaf native users of American Sign Language (ASL) were presented signed sentences that were either correct or that contained either a semantic or a syntactic error (1 of 2 types of verb agreement errors). ASL sentences were presented at the natural rate of signing, while the electroencephalogram was recorded. As predicted on the basis of earlier studies, an N400 was elicited by semantic violations. In addition, signed syntactic violations elicited an early frontal negativity and a later posterior positivity. Crucially, the distribution of the anterior negativity varied as a function of the type of syntactic violation, suggesting a unique involvement of spatial processing in signed syntax," wrote C.M. Capek and colleagues, University of Manchester. The researchers concluded: "Together, these findings suggest that biological constraints and experience shape the development of neural systems important for language.." Capek and colleagues published their study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (Brain systems mediating semantic and syntactic processing in deaf native signers: Biological invariance and modality specificity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2009;106(21):8784-8789). For additional information, contact C.M. Capek, University of Manchester, School Psychology Science, Zochonis Bldg, Manchester M13 9PL, Lancs, UK. The publisher of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America can be contacted at: National Acad Sciences, 2101 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20418, USA. Keywords: United Kingdom, Manchester, Life Sciences, Electrophysiology, Physiology, University of Manchester. This article was prepared by Science Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Science Letter via NewsRx.com.
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