Listening in long conversations activates the brain's default mode network.

Most brain studies look at language using single words or sentences rather than real conversations. To fix this, researchers scanned people's brains using functional magnetic resonance imaging while they had 10 min talks about ethical dilemmas with an actor. They wanted to see how speaking differs from listening in the brain. Speaking and listening activated different brain regions. Speaking engaged the left inferior frontal gyrus and posterior dorsal medial prefrontal cortex. Listening favored the superior and middle temporal gyri. Listening also specifically activated the default mode network, a set of brain regions linked to thinking about other people and oneself, especially during longer conversations. A cognitive control network showed a similar, less robust pattern. In addition, a brain subnetwork tied to tracking other people's minds stayed more active than another subnetwork during both speaking and listening. This shows that thinking about other minds runs continuously through a conversation.

Why it matters

This matters because most brain research on language uses short, artificial tasks. Real conversations are different. Knowing that the default mode network activates during comprehension in longer talks helps explain how we understand others' perspectives and ourselves while listening. It could inform therapies for conditions where social communication is impaired.

Questions answered