* Brain function is complex: While there are general areas associated with language, the brain isn't neatly divided for each function.
* Individual differences: Every brain is unique, and people's experiences with language can influence how it is processed.
* Sign language is visual: It's not spoken, so it relies on different parts of the brain for processing.
That said, research has shown some interesting things:
* Visual cortex: Sign language, being visual, relies heavily on the visual cortex, located in the back of the brain.
* Left hemisphere: While not exclusively, the left hemisphere is still heavily involved in language processing, even for sign language. This is the same area used for spoken language.
* Motor cortex: The motor cortex, responsible for movement, is also activated during sign language, as sign language involves hand gestures and facial expressions.
Therefore, it's not accurate to say that deaf people process sign language exclusively in one hemisphere. It's more accurate to say that sign language processing involves multiple brain regions in a way that is unique compared to spoken language processing.
Further, it's important to avoid generalizations. Not all deaf people process sign language in the same way. There are individual differences that influence brain function and language processing.