Models of language

Question 1

what are the four models of language?

Answer 1

• connectionist model (classification systems)
• computational model
  neuropsychological model
• contemporary neurobiological model

Question 2

what is the key limitation of the dominant connectionist paradigm?

Answer 2

only about 30% of aphasic individuals fit neatly into these categories

Question 3

Connectionist Classification System:
the term aphasia applies to…

Answer 3

language-specific behaviors (not the anatomy, physiology, or cognitive mechanism)

Question 4

Connectionist Classification System:

Answer 4

• adopted by aphasia diagnostic standardized batteries
• most commonly used
• incorporates both behavioral characteristics and neuroanatomical correlates of the observed behaviors

Question 5

Connectionist Classification System:
what is it termed “connectionist” model?

Answer 5

because of the inherent assumption that the various aphasic subtypes reflect disruption of specific brain centers or the connections between these centers

Question 6

Connectionist Classification System:
assumes the existence of language centers located in what discrete regions of the brain?

Answer 6

Wernicke’s area (posterior center) and Broca’s area (anterior center)

Question 7

Wernicke’s center (posterior center)

Answer 7

• holds auditory language representation
• a lesion in this center not only impairs auditory comprehension but also influences speech production

Question 8

Broca’s area (anterior center)

Answer 8

• holds speech motor representations
• a lesion in this center disrupts spoken word production but leaves but leaves auditory comprehension intact (just a theory) - impacts the way they are talking, planning and programming issues

Question 9

Disruption of the arcuate fasciculus connecting posterior and anterior language centers is assumed to cause…

Answer 9

auditory repetition deficits (e.g., conduction aphasia)

Question 10

Computational Model

Answer 10

• holds that various aspects of language can be represented as patterns of activity over interconnected sets of simple neuronlike processing units that occur in a competitive cooperative fashion

Question 11

Computational Model

Answer 11

patterns of activity within this architecture are enabled through differentially weighted connections between units
- a word is linked to specific processing unit/note
- have been used to model aphasic errors (e.g., paraphasias)

Question 12

Cognitive Neuropsychological Model
(semantic system)

Answer 12

• language is no longer understood in terms of anatomical functions but instead has several identifiable processing components leading to the end point = word production

Question 13

Cognitive Neuropsychological Model
(semantic system)

Answer 13

• the study of individuals with brain injury can inform our understanding of normal language processes
• brain damage can disrupts a model or processing component selectively, leaving other components to operate normally
• provide a framework for assessment and treatment

Question 14

Contemporary Neurobiological Models of Language

Answer 14

the brain words more like a dynamic network with plasticity, gray and white matter are part of the same interactive process

Question 15

Contemporary Neurobiological Models of Language:
Dual stream model = 2 major pathways:

Answer 15

Dorsal stream and ventral stream

Question 16

dorsal stream:

Answer 16

supported mainly by the superior longitudinal fasciculus and arcuate fasciculus, associated with phonological processing

Question 17

ventral stream:

Answer 17

supported mainly by the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, associated with semantic processing

Question 18

FAT (Frontal Aslant Tract):

Answer 18

connecting the supplementary motor area to the Broca’s area, plays a role in driving and initiating speech