Attention and Interhemispheric Communication: Implications for Language Dominance

Serrien, Deborah J.; O'Regan, Louise

Abstract

Dominance of the left hemisphere for language processing is a prominent feature of brain organisation. Whereas structural models clarify the functional asymmetry due to direct access to local language circuits, dynamic models propose functional states of intrahemispheric activation and interhemispheric inhibition that are coupled with attentional processes. Real word settings often require modulations of lateralised neural processing and further express individual heterogeneity. In this research, we tested left- and right-handers, and used a behavioural paradigm with presentation of lateralised cue-target pairs to the same or opposite visual field. We observed that handedness distinctly affected word processing in the left hemisphere following contralateral cueing. Moreover, left-hemispheric dominance strengthened for right-handers vs abolished for left-handers, influencing behavioural efficiency. In combination with eye dominance recordings, these data suggest that attentional biases guided the processing strategies of both groups and in turn their achievements. Therefore, hand and eye dominance are both essential factors with a functional role in directing the communication of visual information between both hemispheres. Overall, the findings underline the importance of interacting hand-eye control systems in contributing to interhemispheric patterns in the context of language processing. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.]

Citation

Serrien, D. J., & O'Regan, L. (2023). Attention and Interhemispheric Communication: Implications for Language Dominance. Neuroscience, 510, 21-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.12.006

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 5, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Dec 12, 2022
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2023
• Deposit Date: Feb 14, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 16, 2023
• Journal: Neuroscience
• Print ISSN: 0306-4522
• Electronic ISSN: 1873-7544
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 510
• Pages: 21-31
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.12.006
• Keywords: laterality, eye dominance, word comprehension, hemispheric activation-inhibition, handedness
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/15707227
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306452222006145?via%3Dihub
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: Attention and Interhemispheric Communication: Implications for Language Dominance; Journal Title: Neuroscience; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.12.006; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IBRO.