Higher Brain Functions

2014 Brain Prize explainer: How we learn to read

Stanislas Dehaene analyses brain activity in humans to understand complex functions such as reading, language, mathematics, and consciousness. His research shows that learning to read involves conversion of information in visual areas of the brain by areas the brain involved in speech. This conversion of information is what allows us to turn letters into sounds, i.e. to read. His findings have important implications of how best to teach children reading and even mathematics.