Understanding Sarcasm’s Neural Correlates Through a Novel fMRI Spanish Paradigm

Abstract

There is growing interest in the neural network of pragmatic language and its potential overlap with the Theory of Mind (ToM) network. However, no Spanish-adapted fMRI tasks were used for studying sarcasm, the subtype of pragmatic language most related to ToM. Furthermore, stimuli used in prior studies often impose high cognitive demands, confounding its sarcasm brain representation with the executive network. We investigate the neural correlates of sarcasm in Spanish using a novel experimental paradigm designed to minimize cognitive load and enhance ecological validity. Eighteen healthy, right-handed participants underwent a 3T fMRI session with a sarcasm comprehension task. Brain activations analysed with SPM12 were calculated for sarcasm vs. literal contrast. Sarcasm activated the left temporo-parietal junction, Medial Prefrontal Cortex (BA 10), Left Inferior Frontal Gyrus (BA 45), Left Medial and Superior Temporal Gyrus (BA 21 & 22), and Left Temporal Pole (BA 38). Sarcasm comprehension involves an extensive fronto-temporal-parietal network, with prominent activation of ToM-related areas. These findings suggest an overlap between sarcasm and ToM networks, emphasizing the role of the medial prefrontal cortex in pragmatic language, the left inferior frontal gyrus in semantic integration, and the role of a left-lateralized frontotemporal network for sarcasm processing.