What Part of the Brain Controls Recognition of Printed Words?
The recognition of printed words is a complex process that involves multiple parts of the brain. The primary area responsible for recognizing printed words is the left occipitotemporal cortex, which is located in the back of the brain near the temporal lobe. This area is also known as the visual word form area (VWFA).
How Does the VWFA Work?
The VWFA is responsible for recognizing and interpreting written words. It does this by analyzing the shape and structure of each letter in a word and then comparing it to a stored mental representation of what that word should look like. If there is a match, then the word is recognized. The VWFA also helps to identify patterns in words, such as rhyming or alliteration.
Other Areas Involved in Word Recognition
In addition to the VWFA, other areas of the brain are involved in recognizing printed words. These include the angular gyrus, which helps to interpret meaning from written words; the inferior frontal gyrus, which helps with phonological processing; and the superior temporal gyrus, which helps with auditory processing. Together, these areas work together to help us recognize and understand written language.