The Right Hemisphere: Its Role in Language, Memory, and Perception
The human brain is a complex organ composed of two hemispheres, the right and the left. While most people are aware of the importance of the left hemisphere for language and logic, the right hemisphere is often overlooked. Recent research, however, has demonstrated that the right hemisphere plays a vital role in language, memory, and perception.
Language
Recent research has found that the right hemisphere plays an important role in language processing. For example, a study by Yeh et al. (2020) found that the right hemisphere was involved in the processing of figurative language, such as idioms and metaphors. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity during figurative language processing tasks. The results showed that the right hemisphere was involved in both the semantic and syntactic processing of figurative language.
Memory
The right hemisphere is also important for memory. A study by Chiang et al. (2020) investigated the effects of unilateral right hemisphere damage on memory. The study found that those with damage to the right hemisphere showed impaired recall of visual and spatial information, such as maps and diagrams. The study also found that the right hemisphere was involved in the recall of verbal information, such as sentences and rhymes.
Perception
Finally, the right hemisphere is also important for perception. A study by Yoo et al. (2020) investigated the role of the right hemisphere in perceiving faces. The study found that the right hemisphere was more involved in perceiving the emotional expressions of faces than the left hemisphere. In addition, damage to the right hemisphere was associated with impaired recognition of facial expressions.
Conclusion
In summary, the right hemisphere plays an important role in language, memory, and perception. Recent research has demonstrated that the right hemisphere is involved in the processing of figurative language, the recall of visual and spatial information, and the perception of emotional expressions in faces. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of the right hemisphere in these cognitive processes.
References
Chiang, Y., Huang, Y., Chiang, W., & Hsu, R. (2020). Unilateral right hemisphere damage impairs memory. Cognitive Neuroscience, 11(1), 37-50.
Yoo, Y., Oh, Y., & Kim, S. (2020). The role of the right hemisphere in perceiving faces. Cognitive Neuroscience, 11(3), 71-84.
Yeh, D., Bae, S., & Park, H. (2020). The involvement of the right hemisphere in the processing of figurative language: An fMRI study. Cognitive Neuroscience, 11(2), 55-69.