To move or not to move: imperatives modulate action-related verb processing in the motor system

Do we embody second language? Evidence for ‘partial’ simulation during processing of a second language

“…However, this result it is open to multiple interpretations. In fact, even the lack of effect on force-grip by action words in negative sentences could be potentially compatible with evidence of reduced motor system activations in Tettamanti et al (2008) and in Tomasino et al (2010).…”

“…Hasson & Glucksberg, 2006). However, negation of action is a largely unexamined proposition so far (see Kaup, Yaxley, Madden, Zwaan, & Lüdtke, 2007;Liuzza, Candidi, & Aglioti, 2011;Tettamanti et al, 2008;Tomasino, Weiss, & Fink, 2010) and presents a challenge for models suggesting that the motor system drives action processing.…”

“…The few studies that did investigate this topic using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) found a partial deactivation in action-related areas during comprehension of negative sentences (e.g., Tettamanti et al, 2008;Tomasino et al, 2010). However, the brain imaging literature on this topic so far does not reveal -due to fMRI's poor temporal resolution, the large variability of experimental designs and procedures, and the presence of conflicting results (cf.…”

“…However, the brain imaging literature on this topic so far does not reveal -due to fMRI's poor temporal resolution, the large variability of experimental designs and procedures, and the presence of conflicting results (cf. Tomasino et al, 2010) -the actual causes of neural activation or deactivation in motor systems (Kemmerer & Gonzalez-Castillo, 2010). Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that such changes in brain activation are epiphenomenal and may only reflect secondary post-comprehension processes such as imagery or covert simulation (Lotto, Hickok, & Holt, 2009).…”

Links between perception and production: examining the roles of motor and premotor cortices in understanding speech.

“…As is the case for speech perception, several studies have shown that motor/premotor cortex responses during action language processing are context-sensitive (e.g. (Alemanno et al, 2012;Schuil, Smits, & Zwaan, 2013;Tettamanti et al, 2008;Tomasino, Weiss, & Fink, 2010). Thus, the two fields of research shared some similar issues with interpretation of the evidence.…”