23 Language II Flashcards
Functions of the LEFT and RIGHT brains in LANGUAGE
Left = phonology, syntax, semantics Right = pragmatics (emotion)
2 main brain LANGUAGE areas
Brocas
Wernickes
What happens upon LESIONS in
Brocas
Wernickes
Brocas lesion = PRODUCTION aphasia (can comprehend, can’t SPEAK)
Wernickes lesion = RECEPTIVE aphasia (can speak, can’t COMPREHEND)
Name the 3 language NETWORKS and the functions
DORSAL pathway = GRAMMAR
VENTRAL pathway = MEANING
VMFA = PATTERNS
What is the VMFA pathway
Visual Word Form Area
The VWFA is part of what GYRUS?
FUSIFORM gyrus
Explain how the fusiform gyrus is LATERALISED
LEFT fusiform = WORDS
RIGHT fusiform = FACES
What happens if there is NO LATERALISATION of the fusiform gyrus
Dyslexia
Name the 2 types of READING disabilities and their causes
ALEXIA = due to brain INJURY DYSLEXIA = due to GENETIC abnormality
Describe the DEVELOPMENT of language in EARLY LIFE
ORDERLY progression, seems “BUILT-INTO” children
When does language FIRST appear in children?
In what FORM?
6 months = BABBLING (‘testing out’ languahge)
What type of language occurs at 2 years?
Telegraphic (no grammar)
Describe the case of “Genie”
Isolated until 13 years
= never learned GRAMMAR
Is it POSSIBLE to learn a SECOND language after PUBERTY?
YES, but will always have an ACCENT
What GENE is closely linked to language??
FOXP2
Name a case FAMILY with FOXP2 mutations
What DEFICITS do they have?
KE family
= SPEECH deficits
= probably a more general ORO-FACIAL muscle deficit
What happens in UNAFFECTED KE family members were SILENTLY generating words?
Why?
BROCAS activation due to MIRROR neurons
Activated when both seeing AND doing action
What happens in AFFECTED KE family members were SILENTLY generating words?
Why?
NO Brocas activation
= no mirror neuron activity
Is language present in other SPECIES?
UNIQUE to humans
no other species shows OPEN-ENDED, COHERENT language
Why is there only POOR EVIDENCE for evolution of language?
- FOSSIL evidence only
- 6my GAP between last humans and great apes
= theories are SPECULATIVE
What is Chomsky’s theory about language evolution?
PROMETHEUS had a spontaneous “rewiring” of the brain
= gained ability of UNBOUND MERGE
What theory OPPOSES Chomsky’s theory?
Darwinian Theory
Explain the Darwinian Theory of language evolution
- Language evolved GRADUALLY
* SURVIVAL via communication in hunter-gathere phase
What PERIOD was probably CRITICAL to language development
Pleistocene
Explain the Gestural Theory
Language evolved from GESTURES:
= gradually shifted to face/mouth
WHY did language shift to the FACE/MOUTH?
DEC energy expenditure
Good muscle control
What was added to the mouth movements?
WHY?
VOCALISATION = makes mouth gesturs ACCESSIBLE
There was a SHIFT from ______ communication to meanings carried by ________
There was a SHIFT from “ICONIC” (pictures) communication to meanings carried by ASSOCIATION
What is the name given to the PROCESS of shifting from gestures to mouth
Miniturisation
EVIDENCE of the Gestural Theory
- Bipedalism
- Neurophysiology
- Communication in APES
- SIGN language
What are the possible relationships between BIPEDALISM and language?
Did bipedalism drive GESTURES?
Or did gestures drive bipedalism?
Explain communication in APES
CHIMPS use many gestures, limited vocal calls
APES can learn gestures and KEYBOARDS, but no speaking
How did SIGN language emerge?
How did it CHANGE
Emerged as PANTOMIME (act out meaning)
Became more CONVENTIONALISED
What brain ares are activated in SIGN language
SAME brain areas as SPOKEN language
