How has the human brain evolved in relation to spoken and written language processing?

The accepted understanding of how the human brain has evolved in relation to language processing acknowledges that spoken language has been a fundamental form of communication for a much longer period than written language. Throughout human history, spoken language predates written forms by tens of thousands of years. As a result, the neural circuits and cognitive processes for processing spoken language are more developed and refined in the human brain.

Studies in neuroscience have shown that areas of the brain, such as Broca's and Wernicke's areas, are strongly associated with processing spoken language. These areas have evolved specifically to handle the complexities of phonetics, grammar, and syntax found in spoken communication. Written language, in contrast, is a relatively recent development, and while our brains have adapted to process it, this adaptation is not as deeply rooted or naturally efficient as that for spoken language.

Thus, the assertion that our brains process spoken language much more easily than alphabetic writing aligns with research findings. Written language requires additional cognitive resources, as it involves translating visual symbols into phonemic representations and understanding the rules of written syntax, which are less instinctive than those for spoken language. Consequently, the nuances and demands of written language processing can be more challenging than those for spoken language.