Semantic processing of iconic signs is not automatic: Neural evidence from hearing non-signers.

ABSTRACT: Iconicity facilitates learning signs, but it is unknown whether recognition of meaning from the sign form occurs automatically. We recorded ERPs to highly iconic (transparent) and non-iconic ASL signs presented to one group who knew they would be taught signs (learners) and another group with no such expectations (non-learners). Participants watched sign videos and detected an occasional grooming gesture (no semantic processing required). Before sign onset, learners showed a greater frontal negativity compared to non-learners for both sign types, possibly due to greater motivation to attend to signs. During the N400 window, learners showed greater negativity to iconic than non-iconic signs, indicating more semantic processing for iconic signs. The non-learners showed a later and much weake

SUBMITTER: Akers EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12530573 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature