Chapter 28 - Unity of Language and Communication: Interhemispheric Interaction in the Lateralized Brain

Abstract

This chapter explores the ways in which left-hemisphere and right-hemisphere dominance for different aspects of language and communication complement each other. A complete understanding of the neural mechanisms that underlie language and communication must take into account the fact that the left and right cerebral hemispheres make different contributions. Despite the fact that the two hemispheres take the lead for different aspects of language and communication, there is unity in language processing. A brief overview of hemispheric superiority for selected aspects of language has been provided, along with the consideration of why so many of these hemispheric superiorities seem to complement each other. It proves necessary to learn more about the various ways in which the two hemispheres, with their different processing biases and propensities, collaborate with each other to provide a fundamental unity of language and communication. This involves further studies of both the biological and the functional mechanisms of interhemispheric interaction as well as studies of the relationship between the structure and function.