A supramodal neural network for speech and gesture semantics: an fMRI study

PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e51207. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051207. Epub 2012 Nov 30.

Abstract

In a natural setting, speech is often accompanied by gestures. As language, speech-accompanying iconic gestures to some extent convey semantic information. However, if comprehension of the information contained in both the auditory and visual modality depends on same or different brain-networks is quite unknown. In this fMRI study, we aimed at identifying the cortical areas engaged in supramodal processing of semantic information. BOLD changes were recorded in 18 healthy right-handed male subjects watching video clips showing an actor who either performed speech (S, acoustic) or gestures (G, visual) in more (+) or less (-) meaningful varieties. In the experimental conditions familiar speech or isolated iconic gestures were presented; during the visual control condition the volunteers watched meaningless gestures (G-), while during the acoustic control condition a foreign language was presented (S-). The conjunction of the visual and acoustic semantic processing revealed activations extending from the left inferior frontal gyrus to the precentral gyrus, and included bilateral posterior temporal regions. We conclude that proclaiming this frontotemporal network the brain's core language system is to take too narrow a view. Our results rather indicate that these regions constitute a supramodal semantic processing network.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping
  • Gestures*
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Semantics*
  • Speech / physiology*
  • Video Recording
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This research was supported by a grant from the IZKF Aachen (Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research within the faculty of Medicine at RWTH Aachen University; VV N68-e) and by the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft; IRTG 1328 and Ki 588/6-1). BS is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF; project no. 01GV0615). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.