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Lateralisation may be a side issue for understanding language development

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 October 2003

Caterina Breitenstein*
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, University of Muenster, 48129Muenster, Germanyhttp://neurologie.uni-muenster.de/ger/mitarbeiter/breitenstein
Agnes Floel*
Affiliation:
Human Cortical Physiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD20892-1430http://neurologie.uni-muenster.de/ger/mitarbeiter/knecht
Bianca Dräger*
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, University of Muenster, 48129Muenster, Germanyhttp://neurologie.uni-muenster.de/ger/mitarbeiter/breitenstein
Stefan Knecht*
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, University of Muenster, 48129Muenster, Germanyhttp://neurologie.uni-muenster.de/ger/mitarbeiter/breitenstein

Abstract:

We add evidence in support of Corballis's gestural theory of language. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation, we found that productive and receptive linguistic tasks excite the motor cortices for both hands. This indicates that the language and the hand motor systems are still tightly linked in modern man. The bilaterality of the effect, however, implies that lateralisation is a secondary issue.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2003

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