Lecture 12 Flashcards
What are the key features of human language
The key features of human language include universality, generativity, rule-based nature (syntax), and lateralization.
What does the lateralization of language mean, and where is language primarily located in the brain for most individuals?
Lateralization of language means that language functions are primarily located in one hemisphere of the brain, typically the left hemisphere.
How can the Wada test help determine the lateralization of language in an individual?
The Wada test involves injecting anesthetic into the internal carotid artery to temporarily shut down one side of the brain, allowing researchers to assess which hemisphere is responsible for language functions.
What is a split-brain patient, and why is the corpus callosum typically severed in such cases?
A split-brain patient has had their corpus callosum severed, often to treat epilepsy. This procedure isolates the hemispheres and is used to study the lateralization of functions.
In a split-brain patient, which hemisphere typically possesses generative syntax abilities, and how does this relate to visual field stimuli?
Generative syntax typically exists in only one hemisphere, and when stimuli are presented in the right visual field, the left hemisphere can process and respond to them.
What is prosody, and how does it relate to language and the right hemisphere of the brain?
Prosody refers to the effect of tone and emotional expression in language. It is primarily associated with the right hemisphere of the brain.
Define aphasia and provide examples of different types of aphasia discussed in the lecture notes.
Aphasia refers to a collective deficit in language comprehension and production. Examples include Wernicke’s aphasia, Broca’s aphasia, conduction aphasia, and transcortical sensory aphasia, among others.
What is the Wernicke-Lichtheim model, and how does it explain language processing in the brain?
The Wernicke-Lichtheim model outlines the flow of language processing from auditory input (Wernicke’s area) to motor output (Broca’s area), with the arcuate fasciculus connecting them.
What is dyslexia, and how does it relate to language dysfunction?
Dyslexia is a condition characterized by difficulty in decoding printed language, which results in reading difficulties and is a form of language dysfunction.
How does the brain represent concepts, and what evidence supports the idea that concepts are distributed across the cortex?
Concepts are represented in a distributed manner across the cortex, and evidence suggests that they are not localized to a single brain region.
What is the hub and spoke model in the context of concept representation, and how does it explain semantic dementia?
The hub and spoke model suggests that representations are distributed across the cortex, with a central hub coordinating them. This model explains findings related to semantic dementia, where knowledge loss occurs.
What is parsing in language comprehension, and how do predictions play a role in this process?
Parsing involves the process of breaking down sentences to extract meaning. Predictions play a role by helping to anticipate how sentences should be parsed.
What are situation models, and how do they relate to language comprehension during narrative processing?
Situation models are mental representations of a narrative’s content, including the perceptual and motor characteristics of objects in the story. They aid in understanding narratives.
How does the default mode network relate to language processing and situation models?
The default mode network is activated during internal mental state processes, including the creation of situation models during language processing.
Define language in the context of communication
Language is defined as a system of communication using sounds, gestures, or symbols that enable individuals to express feelings, thoughts, ideas, and experiences.
