Languages and the Brain

Introduction

• Topic: Language and the Brain
• Speaker: Ishaan Akram
• Time: Midnight

Neurolinguistics

• Study of how the brain processes language.
• Language processing is a major function of the human brain.
• Combination of linguistic theory and neuroscience research.

Language Areas in the Brain

• Broca's Area: Responsible for speech production.
• Wernicke's Area: Understanding spoken and written language.
• Motor Cortex: Controls muscles used in speech production.
• Arcuate Fasciculus: Connects Broca's and Wernicke's areas.

Linguistic Errors

• Tip of the Tongue Phenomenon: When a word doesn't come out of the mouth.
• Slips of the Tongue: Mistake in speaking.
• Slips of the Brain: Swapping of sounds.
• Slips of the Ear: Mistake in hearing.

Aphasia

• Language disorder due to brain damage.
• Broca's Aphasia: Difficulty in language production.
• Wernicke's Aphasia: Difficulty in understanding language.
• Conduction Aphasia: Incorrect word pronunciation.

Other Important Concepts

• Dichotic Listening: Method to measure left hemisphere's language processing.
• Right Ear Advantage: More effective in understanding language.
• Critical Period: Important time in childhood to learn a language.

Case Study: Genie

• Lived without language exposure for 13 years.
• Right hemisphere took on the responsibility of language processing.

Conclusion

• Neurolinguistics helps us understand how the brain processes language.
• Study of aphasia and other disorders provides deep knowledge of language processing.

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