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New Study Unravels the Complexities of the Cerebral Lateralization for Written Language

New Study Unravels the Complexities of the Cerebral Lateralization for Written Language

Do we have one brain or two hemispheres, and how do they function during writing? What about the brains of left-handers and right-handers?

A recent, novel study explores the intricate interplay between the linguistic and motor components of written language in the two brain hemispheres of both left-handed and right-handed individuals. The study has been recently published in Laterality: Asymmetries of Brain, Behaviour, and Cognition and it is led by Professor Marietta Papadatou-Pastou, Assistant professor in the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and co-authored by a multinational team of researchers from Universities in Greece, Australia, and Canada.

Cerebral lateralization, the specialization of cognitive functions in one hemisphere of the brain, has been extensively studied for oral language production, typically identifying the left hemisphere as dominant. However, written language, particularly in left-handers, has received limited scientific attention.

Using functional transcranial Doppler (fTCD) ultrasound, a safe and easily applicable technique, the study aimed to disentangle the linguistic and motor components of writing. By comparing cerebral activation during written word generation versus letter copying, the researchers sought insights into the neural processes of written language and its lateralization. Moreover, they explored the relationship between the well-studied oral language and the linguistic component of writing in terms of lateralization.

Contrary to the pre-registered hypotheses, the study did not find a difference in the cerebral lateralization of the linguistic component of writing between left-handers and right-handers or a correlation between oral language and the linguistic component of written language regarding lateralization.

Dr. Papadatou-Pastou commented, “Our findings emphasize the complex nature of the processes governing written and oral language. While the study did not confirm our initial hypotheses, it opens new avenues for exploration and underscores the challenges in isolating the linguistic component of writing. The interplay between handedness and cerebral lateralization adds an additional layer of complexity to our understanding.”

The existing neuroimaging studies on writing referenced in the research predominantly focused on right-handers, despite the fact that approximately one in 10 individuals is left-handed. The study advocates for a more inclusive approach, recognizing the diverse characteristics of the neurotypical population and the importance of also recruiting left-handers.

For more information or to access the complete academic paper, please visit https://doi.org/10.1080/1357650X.2023.2284407

University of Athens – Harvard University: Intensive English-Taught Course Entitled ‘Clinical Epidemiology: From Theory to Application’

University of Athens – Harvard University: Intensive English-Taught Course Entitled ‘Clinical Epidemiology: From Theory to Application’

Within the context of the Memorandum of Understanding between Harvard University and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, which involves collaboration between the Departments of Epidemiology of T.H. Chan School of Public Health of Harvard University and the School of Medicine of the University of Athens, we are pleased to announce the launch of […]

University of Athens graduates can now access digital degree certificates via gov.gr

University of Athens graduates can now access digital degree certificates via gov.gr

A long-standing request from graduates and public services has finally been fulfilled: degree certificates issued by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens since 2000 are now available through the ‘Πιστοποιητικά Σπουδών [Degree Certificates]’ platform on gov.gr. The entire process is completed online using your Taxisnet credentials and Social Security Number (AMKA). How to access […]

Civic engagement activities of Gerodontology NKUA for the Academic Year 2024-25

Civic engagement activities of Gerodontology NKUA for the Academic Year 2024-25

The Discipline of Gerodontology of the Dental School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), continuing a 14-year-long effort to promote the oral health of older citizens, especially those in vulnerable groups, has successfully completed its educational and civic engagement activities for the academic year 2024–2025. These activities were organised and carried out […]

Snorkeling Through Science and Self: Two Weeks in Greece

Snorkeling Through Science and Self: Two Weeks in Greece

Saroosh Zahid is a rising junior at Georgetown University-Qatar, pictured above third from left. As I walk down the most recent lane in memory town, I can’t help but smile at the thought of two  wonderful weeks I spent with a brilliant group of people in Greece. I was part of the Earth Commons’ summer […]

Department of Geology and Geoenvironment unveils new palaeontological discoveries at Vatera

Department of Geology and Geoenvironment unveils new palaeontological discoveries at Vatera

Vatera, a region on the island of Lesbos known for its remarkable palaeontological finds, has once again attracted scientific interest following discoveries that shed light on its geological past. Recent palaeontological research is deepening our understanding of the animals that once roamed the area millions of years ago. One particularly exciting discovery is that of […]

School of Medicine and School of Law top the admission scores

School of Medicine and School of Law top the admission scores

For another consecutive year, the School of Medicine and the School of Law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens have maintained their pre-eminence and appeal, securing top spots in the admission scores of the ‘Panhellenic Exams’. In addition, the Departments of Pharmacy, Dentistry, Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, and Informatics have proven exceptionally popular, continuing […]

‘NKUA in the City’: Overview of activities, 2024-2025

‘NKUA in the City’: Overview of activities, 2024-2025

The series of educational, cultural, and artistic activities titled ‘NKUA in the City’ was introduced by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens—following a proposal by the present author—and officially launched on March 21, 2024. The events are co-organized with the Municipality of Athens based on a Memorandum of Understanding that was mutually agreed upon […]

University of Athens

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, which was inaugurated on May 3, 1837, was initially housed in a renovated Ottoman building on the northeastern side of the Acropolis. This building has since been restored and now functions as the University Museum. Originally named the "Othonian University," after Otto, the first king of Greece, it consisted of four academic departments and 52 students. As the first university of the newly established Greek state, as well as of the broader Balkan and Mediterranean region, it assumed an important socio-historical role, which was pivotal in the development of specific forms of knowledge and culture within the country.

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