Print-Speech Convergence Predicts Future Reading Outcomes in Early Readers.

TitlePrint-Speech Convergence Predicts Future Reading Outcomes in Early Readers.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsPreston, JL, Molfese, PJ, Frost, SJ, W Mencl, E, Fulbright, RK, Hoeft, F, Landi, N, Shankweiler, D, Pugh, KR
JournalPsychol Sci
Volume27
Issue1
Pagination75-84
Date Published2016 Jan
ISSN1467-9280
KeywordsBrain Mapping, Child, Humans, Language, Longitudinal Studies, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Prefrontal Cortex, Reading, Speech, Temporal Lobe
Abstract

Becoming a skilled reader requires building a functional neurocircuitry for printed-language processing that integrates with spoken-language-processing networks. In this longitudinal study, functional MRI (fMRI) was used to examine convergent activation for printed and spoken language (print-speech coactivation) in selected regions implicated in printed-language processing (the reading network). We found that print-speech coactivation across the left-hemisphere reading network in beginning readers predicted reading achievement 2 years later beyond the effects of brain activity for either modality alone; moreover, coactivation effects accounted for variance in later reading after controlling for initial reading performance. Within the reading network, effects of coactivation were significant in bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and left inferior parietal cortex and fusiform gyrus. The contribution of left and right IFG differed, with more coactivation in left IFG predicting better achievement but more coactivation in right IFG predicting poorer achievement. Findings point to the centrality of print-speech convergence in building an efficient reading circuitry in children.

DOI10.1177/0956797615611921
Alternate JournalPsychol Sci
PubMed ID26589242
PubMed Central IDPMC4713346
Grant ListL30 DC010333 / DC / NIDCD NIH HHS / United States
R01 HD048830 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
P01HD001994 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
P01 HD001994 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01HD048830 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States