Reading of Kanji and Kana words: A comparative study between native and non-native speakers

摘要

In recent years, many studies have been conducted for the elucidation of areas and mechanisms involved in the reading process. It is particular interesting the case of languages such as Japanese, in which different types of characters are used to represent words. Some studies showed evidences that for native speakers, the areas involved for reading of kanji (morphograms) and kana (syllabograms) words would be the same, while other studies also showed some difference in that aspect. The objective of this present study is to verify through MEG imaging whether or not those areas involved in the reading of both type of characters are really the same, and also if the verified results are observed in both native and non-native, Japanese proficient, subjects.