Which hemisphere is primarily responsible for the emotional component of speech?

The right hemisphere is primarily responsible for the emotional component of speech due to its involvement in processing non-verbal cues, prosody, and the affective aspects of communication. While the left hemisphere is generally associated with language production and comprehension, including the grammatical and lexical aspects of speech, the right hemisphere contributes to the interpretation of emotional tone, intonation, and context. This division in function highlights how emotional expression plays a crucial role in effective communication, as it helps convey feelings such as joy, sadness, or sarcasm, which are essential for meaningful interactions. Understanding this distinction is important for those studying speech science, as it informs approaches to treating communication disorders that involve emotional expression.