Reading Strengthens Key Brain Regions for Language and Empathy
New research reveals that reading ability is linked to distinct brain structures, particularly in the left anterior temporal lobe and Heschl’s gyrus.
These regions are crucial for integrating word meanings and processing phonological awareness, both of which are key to reading.
The study shows that better readers tend to have larger or thicker areas in these regions, indicating their role in language and sound processing.
Importantly, the brain is malleable, meaning reading can actively shape these structures over time.
As fewer people read for leisure, the potential societal and cognitive impacts of declining reading habits are concerning.
Reading not only enhances individual cognition but also supports collective empathy and understanding.
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21 comments:
I read every day., for pleasure, for comfort and for education.
Does reading blog comments count?
I can't imagine NOT reading, because I always learn something. Like what "Heschl's Gyrus" is.
Depends on the book. Eg "Not even wrong" by Peter Woit is exhausting to read. Ulysses also.
Interesting!
I'm trying to read more books and less internet.
I read quite a bit these days, but I went quite a number of years when I didn't read that much. I just started my 15th book since the beginning of October. I'm not a very fast reader. I just have a lot of time.
I love to read but am often disappointed in modern fiction. Anybody got any great recommendations?
The planum temporale is the cortical area just posterior to the auditory cortex (Heschl's gyrus) within the Sylvian fissure. It is a triangular region which forms the heart of Wernicke's area.
Sometimes I can't get past the first couple of pages.
Yes it is!
If I read less internet, I would be working on home repairs. I read a LOT of internet.
I think everyone commenting here except me would have good suggestions.
My mind drifts when I read. I wind up reading the same page over again. Unless it's science or medical stuff.
Well, I read this, so hopefully my phonological awareness just kept right on processing.
Do you mean phonological processes such as vowel harmony, voicing, and syllabication?
I learned to read when I was three and haven't stopped yet. I read everyday and always have a book or two going. I read while I eat and so does one of my daughters. The others all read, but not at the table. I'm hoping the twins will discover the joys of reading for themselves, currently someone reads to them and they know the names of all the things in the pictures, but I'd like to see them recognise the words too.
Randall Munroe is an amusing author. Eg What If 2.
Pratchett & Gaiman's "Good Omens" is a hilarious read. The video of it is good too.
I watch TV while I eat. My brain is dying a slow death.
The book is 491 pages. I'd never make it through. The series is on Amazon Prime. 2 seasons and a 90 minute wrap up.
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