Here's why:
* Language Processing: The left hemisphere is the dominant hemisphere for language processing in most people. It handles tasks like:
* Syntax: Understanding grammatical rules and sentence structure.
* Semantics: Comprehending the meaning of words and phrases.
* Phonology: Processing the sounds of language.
* Literal Interpretation: The left hemisphere is more focused on literal meanings, analyzing the precise wording and structure of language.
* Logical Reasoning: It's involved in logical reasoning, which is important for understanding complex language and drawing inferences.
While the left hemisphere excels in these areas, the right hemisphere also plays a role in language comprehension, especially in:
* Prosody: Understanding the emotional tone of language.
* Figurative Language: Interpreting metaphors, idioms, and other non-literal expressions.
* Overall Meaning: Integrating various aspects of language to understand the overall message.
Therefore, while the left hemisphere is dominant for the tasks you described, both hemispheres work together for a complete and nuanced understanding of language.