A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience [behind a paywall I’m afraid] reveals that left-handed musicians develop unique brain pathways for language processing, leading to atypical language lateralization. This refers to the unusual distribution of language processing in the brain, where language functions are located in the right hemisphere [in this instance], rather than predominantly in the left hemisphere as is typical in most people.
This atypical distribution can affect how people process language, with differences in brain connectivity & structure that may also be influenced by factors like musical training or brain plasticity.
Slight tangent about handedness in musicians
The study focuses on left-handed musicians in particular BTW because left-handed individuals already exhibit a higher likelihood of atypical language lateralization compared to right-handers. In right-handed people, language processing is typically lateralized to the left hemisphere, while left-handers are more likely to have language functions either in the right hemisphere or shared between both hemispheres (bilateral).
Musical training, which alters brain structure & connectivity, seems to amplify these atypical patterns in left-handers. This is likely because musical activities, such as playing an instrument, involve both hemispheres of the brain due to their complex integration of motor control, auditory processing, & cognitive functions. In left-handed individuals, the natural tendency for more right or bilateral language lateralization may interact with musical training in a unique way, creating a stronger shift or alternative pathway for language processing in the right hemisphere.
Getting back to the research
The research shows that musical training influences brain connectivity, allowing left-handed individuals to shift language processing from the typical left hemisphere to the right.
Key Findings:
- Left-handed musicians are more likely to exhibit atypical lateralization, with a correlation between years of musical training & enhanced interhemispheric connectivity.
- Researchers recruited 112 left-handed participants, equally split between musicians (with at least 6 years of training) & non-musicians.
- Neuroimaging tests highlighted the role of specific areas of the brain [the arcuate fasciculus & corpus callosum, if you must know] in language processing.
The study uncovered two distinct pathways to atypical language lateralization:
- Non-Musicians: Display underdevelopment in intrahemispheric connectivity, suggesting that their brains may not fully shift from interhemispheric to intrahemispheric control of language.
- Musicians: Exhibit enhanced interhemispheric connectivity, indicating that musical training can create alternative neural pathways for language processing.
Interestingly, this research may not only expand our understanding of brain function but also provide insights into neurological conditions like dyslexia, autism & schizophrenia, given the complex role of atypical lateralization.
Impact on an L2: The study was related to L1s of course. However, the finding that musical training can alter brain pathways & shift language processing to the right hemisphere suggests that music & language learning share similar cognitive processes. This might also apply to second language acquisition, as the enhanced brain connectivity in musicians could improve auditory processing, pronunciation & retention.
Teacher Takeaways?
I’m no neuroscientist, but the atypical language lateralization found in left-handed musicians has potential implications on teaching methods & language acquisition.
- Impact on Language Learning: The finding that musical training can alter brain pathways & shift language processing to the right hemisphere suggests that music & language learning share similar cognitive processes.
For ELTs, this opens up the opportunity of using musical activities more intentionally, not just as supplementary fun, but as tools that may enhance language acquisition, particularly for students with different neurological profiles. - Tailoring Instruction to Cognitive Diversity: The study shows that brain lateralization is more complex & individualized than once thought. Teachers may need to account for this by offering varied learning approaches.
Maybe we should be dividing our students by handedness & according to their musical ability…
What’s your favourite use of music in class?
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