Prenatal brain asymmetry and language

Title: Is a prenatal asymmetry of the brain predictive for later language localization and functioning? Hintergrund: The brain shows an asymmetry of its structures in most humans. The left hemisphere, especially the left temporal lobe, usually owns more volume and white matter bundles than the right hemisphere. An association between brain asymmetry and localization of language has already been proven. Furthermore, different studies underly the hypothesis that both brain structure and language localization are asociated with language competence. In a previous study, we could demonstrate that most fetuses show a brain asymmetry already in the 20th to 30th gestastional week. We are now interested in the relationship between prenatal asymmetry of brain structures and language localization and language competence in the same children several years later. Aim: The present project aims to shed light on the relationship between prenatal anatomical asymmetry of the brain and later language localization, formation of language-related fiber bundles, and language abilities. Hypotheses: We expect a significant association between prenatal brain asymmetry and later language localization and language competence. Methods: We will investigate 40 healthy children, aged 6 to 16, all of whom had a magnetic resonance imaging in utero between the 20th and 30th gestational week. We will perform a magnetic resonance imaging to investigate language-related white matter bundles and language localization. In addition, we will perform an extensive language assessment in these children. What is new? This study will, for the first time, link prenatal data with later language abilities and language-related fiber bundles. With this knowledge, we hope to find early marker of later language abilities or language deficits.