Work

Neural correlates of lexical, sublexical and motor processes in word handwriting

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Writing recruits a vast neural network underpinning both linguistic and motor processes. Previous studies have tried to identify which brain areas underpin both the linguistic and motor aspects of writing. However, little is known about the neural substrate of the lexical and sublexical “routes” for spelling. In this fMRI study, participants (n = 25) copied or saw/read symbols or words. Words varied in lexical frequency and phonology-to-orthography (P-O) consistency. Anterior parts of the inferior frontal gyrus were selectively recruited when writing P-O inconsistent words, while the right Heschl's gyrus was recruited only when writing consistent words. Non-specific motor and linguistic areas were also identified. Our results contribute to our knowledge of the neural substrate of the lexical and sublexical spelling routes and suggest that different brain areas might be involved in the lexical processing of input (reading) and output (writing) orthography.

Source: Brain and Cognition

DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2025.106272

Authors: Olivia Afonso, Alberto Avilés, Carlos J. Álvarez

Institutions: Oxford Brookes University, The Open University, Universidad de La Laguna

Language: English

Topic: Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,180

Funders: Oxford Brookes University, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad