Development and disorders of neurocognitive systems for oral language and reading

There are four goals of this article. First, a tentative neurocognitive mod el of oral language and reading is outlined. Second, our recent functional magnetic resonance imaging studies (fMRI) on the development of oral langua ge and reading are briefly reviewed with reference to this neurocognitive m odel. Third, brain-imaging research on dyslexia is discussed in light of th e neurocognitive model. Fourth, research on the plasticity of neural system s and the implication of this plasticity for studying normative development and disorders is presented.