Cerebral hemispheric asymmetries in processing lexical metaphors

Author(s): Faust, M., Kravetz, S.

Journal/Book: Neuropsychologia. 1998; 36: The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 353-362.

Abstract: This study investigated semantic priming for literal (stinging-mosquito) and metaphoric (stinging-insult) associates presented to either the left or right visual fields (RVF/LVF) across stimulus-onset-asynchronies (SOA) of 200 and 800 ms. For the short SOA condition, facilitation was found for metaphorically related targets in both visual fields (VFs) while literally related targets were facilitated only in the RVF. For the long SOA condition, metaphorically related targets were facilitated in the LVF whereas literally related targets were facilitated in the RVF. These results support previous findings indicating an enhanced role of the RH in metaphoric comprehension. In addition, the present results are in accordance with current models of hemispheric semantic processing.

Note: Article Faust M, Bar Ilan Univ, Ramat GaN, ISRAEL

Keyword(s): word recognition; metaphoric and literal meaning; semantic priming; lexical decision; laterality; BRAIN-DAMAGED PATIENTS; WORD RECOGNITION; ACCESS; COMPREHENSION; DISSOCIATION; ACTIVATION; INHIBITION; RETRIEVAL; ATTENTION; LANGUAGE

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