1 . A new set of brain images shows why : Reading the Roman alphabets and Chinese characters uses different parts of the brain.

The results also suggest that Chinese schoolchildren have reading problems in a different part of the brain used in reading alphabet-based languages. This shows that the learning disorder dyslexia ( inability to read properly) is not the same in very culture and does not have a universal biological cause.

Scientists described the results as “ very important and revolutionary”. While dyslexia has certain common roots, they said, they now have some proof that this kind of functional problem works differently according to the different demands that Western and Eastern languages place on the brain.

Dyslexia is a common developmental disorder in which people of normal intelligence have difficulty learning to read, spell and master other language skills.

“Reading is complex,” said Guinevere Eden, Georgetown University professor. “ This shows we need to be more open-minded about diverse treatment approaches.”

Its origins are complex. There appears to be a genetic aspect to the illness. It also may result from brain injury before birth that changes visual and hearing pathways in the brain.

Earlier brain scans show that English-reading dyslexics don’t function properly in a left part of the brain associated with the awareness of 44 sounds from the English alphabet. However, according to the new study, reading Chinese uses some different parts of the brain located in the left-front of the brain. It is associated with symbol interpretation. Unlike alphabet letters, Chinese characters represent entire thoughts and physical objects.

Dyslexia