Neural correlates of sign language production revealed by electrocorticography

Abstract

ObjectiveThe combined spatiotemporal dynamics underlying sign language production remain largely unknown. To investigate these dynamics compared to speech production, we used intracranial electrocorticography during a battery of language tasks.MethodsWe report a unique case of direct cortical surface recordings obtained from a neurosurgical patient with intact hearing who is bilingual in English and American Sign Language. We designed a battery of cognitive tasks to capture multiple modalities of language processing and production.ResultsWe identified 2 spatially distinct cortical networks: ventral for speech and dorsal for sign production. Sign production recruited perirolandic, parietal, and posterior temporal regions, while speech production recruited frontal, perisylvian, and perirolandic regions. Electrical cortical stimulation confirmed this spatial segregation, identifying mouth areas for speech production and limb areas for sign production. The temporal dynamics revealed superior parietal cortex activity immediately before sign production, suggesting its role in planning and producing sign language.ConclusionsOur findings reveal a distinct network for sign language and detail the temporal propagation supporting sign production.