The Visual Word Form Area

The Visual Word Form Area (VWFA) is a region in the brain, located in the left hemisphere, that specializes in recognizing written words. It helps us decode letters and words quickly, allowing for efficient reading. The VWFA processes visual information related to text and forms connections with language comprehension areas, enabling us to understand written language. This area develops with reading experience and is crucial for literacy, as it allows the brain to identify familiar words as whole units, rather than individual letters.