Structural and Functional Asymmetries in the Brain in the Light of Lateralization and Development of Language Competences

Abstract

The article presents the issue of the development of linguistic competence in the context of neurobiological research which points to the functional asymmetry of the brain. A reflection of this asymmetry is, among other things, lateralization of paired organs of the body. The author presents the results of studies indicating a connection between the development of lateralization and the development of language. She also emphasizes the need for therapeutic intervention for children with ambidexterity, cross or left-sided laterality. Moreover, the aim of the article is to sensitize people working with pre-school children to the issue of delays in dominance of paired organs. This is because delayed lateralization is in many cases accompanied by speech disorders.

Keywords

• brain asymmetry / lateralization / handedness / left-handedness / ambidexterity / language development / developmental disorder / learning disability