Why does the neural processing of iconic signs in sign language activate visual-motor cortex more strongly than arbitrary signs?

💡 Explanation

The enhanced activation of the visual-motor cortex during the processing of iconic signs occurs because simulation semantics engages embodied cognition. This involves the brain simulating the action or object represented by the sign. Therefore, embodied cognition drives increased cortical activity, rather than grapheme-phoneme mapping which applies to written language.

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