SÖZCÜĞÜN SESBİLİMSEL, ANLAMBİLİMSEL VE SÖZDİZİMSEL İŞLENMESİNİN KORTİKAL GÖRÜNÜMÜ: NÖROGÖRÜNTÜLEME BULGULARININ KARŞILAŞTIRMALI ANALİZİ

This systematic review examines the cortical correlates of phonological, semantic, and syntactic word processing—three fundamental components of language. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted, resulting in the selection of nine pioneering studies published between 1988 and 1999 that utilized PET and fMRI methods. The studies were evaluated using content analysis to identify the brain regions associated with each type of linguistic processing.Findings indicate that phonological processing predominantly activates the left superior temporal gyrus, planum temporale, supramarginal gyrus, and Broca’s area. Semantic processing involves a widespread neural network, including the left inferior frontal gyrus, middle and inferior temporal gyri, angular gyrus, and anterior temporal lobe. Syntactic processing is primarily associated with the left inferior frontal gyrus (especially Broca’s area) and posterior temporal regions. The results point to both distinct and overlapping neural structures for each linguistic component, revealing the complex and integrated nature of language functions in the brain. This review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the neural basis of language and provides a solid foundation for future neurolinguistic research.