2007-01-08

Chinese speakers use the right hemisphere...

I happened to read an interesting article about the mechanism of language comprehension. According to the article, Chinese speakers actively use the right hemisphere as well when they perceive spoken language. It's commonly known that the left hemisphere predominantly works when humans process linguistic information. Chinese speakers, however, seem to utilize the right hemisphere especially at the earlier stage of language perception because they have four different tones in Chinese; the right hemisphere seems to play a crucial role in recognizing the different tones. It may follow from the finding then that it's difficult to acuquire Chinese language for those who are not used to use the right hemisphere in their first language comprehension. Do Japanese speakers use the right hemisphere in understading Japanese language?
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Being close to God does not mean being free from pain or difficulties. God has only promised us the serenity and fortitude to face up to them. (p336, In Conversation with God)

If Our Lord gives a heavy burden, He also gives the help to carry it! (p337, In Conversation with God)