Between bodily action and conventionalized structure: The neural mechanisms of constructed action in sign language comprehension

We examined the processing of different types of CA (subtle, reduced, and overt) and PT in 35 adult deaf or hearing native signers. The electroencephalographic-based processing of signed sentences with incongruent targets was recorded. Attenuated N300 and early N400 were observed for CA in deaf but not in hearing signers. No differences were found between sentences with CA types in all signers, suggesting a continuum from PT to overt CA. Deaf signers focused more on body movements; hearing signers on faces. We conclude that CA is processed less effortlessly than PT, arguably because of its strong focus on bodily actions.PMID:38608511 | DOI:10.1016/j.bandl.2024.105413
Source: Brain and Language - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research