We investigate the neurological bases of speech production using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Of particular interest is how we plan the mouth movements necessary for speech. One way to study this area is to compare the patterns of fMRI brain activation during the production of short words (which should require little movement planning) to patterns of brain activation observed during the production of longer words (which should require more planning). We have shown that areas in the left hemisphere, such as left parietal cortex, show greater activation during the production of longer words as compared to short words.