Abstract: Investigating the dynamic neural network of cognitive processing is the new approach of cognitive neuroscience. This project proposes a series of fMRI experiments to investigate the function role of visual word form area (VWFA) at left middle part of fusiform gyrus, and further investigates the neural network of visual word processing and its development. Taking advantage of the specific properties of Chinese writing system, the first study will examine the activations of VWFA both under the task demands and the stimuli-driven. The interaction among VWFA, phonological and semantic areas will be tested to show the dynamic activation of brain regions involved in visual words processing. The second study investigates how the language experience shapes the development of brain network of visual words processing, by combining the experiments on English-speaker and Chinese Children. The third study conducts multivariate analysis on data from functional imaging, resting state and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The function and effective connectivity among visual, phonological and semantic processing areas will be used to construct the neurobiological model of visual words processing, and further to show the impact of language experience on its development.

Key words: visual words processing, VWFA, neural network, dynamic activation