Language

Question 1

what is language?

Answer 1

• Language is a cognitive system for communication which connects external stimuli (speech, sign, writing) with internal representations (meaning, concepts)
• Speech is a mechanical process in the service of language, involving articulation and phonation etc.

Question 2

Sub-components of language

Answer 2

– Phonology: speech sounds and their mental representation
– Morphology: words and word structure, stored in the mental lexicon
– Syntax: Sentence structure
– Semantics: Word and sentence meaning

Question 3

broca’s aphasia

Answer 3

• First localization of language function in the brain (1861)
• “Expressive Aphasia” Slow, non- fluent speech and short utterances
• Traditionally associated with language production
• Understanding relatively intact, but some problems with complex linguistic structure: “Agrammatism”
• Associated with damage to the posterior part of the left inferior frontal gyrus

Question 4

speech disorders

Answer 4

– Aphasia: Language problems as a result of brain damage – Anomia: Inability to name objects
– Dysarthria: Loss of control over articulatory muscles
– Speech Apraxia: Problems programming articulations

Question 5

Wernicke’s aphasia

Answer 5

• “Receptive Aphasia”
• Language comprehension difficulties
• Fluent, but often nonsensical speech
• Common use of paraphrase
• Damage at the boundary of the left temporal and parietal lobes

Question 6

Conduction Aphasia

Answer 6

• Damage to arcuate fasciculus (bundle of nerves connecting Wernicke’s and Broca’s area)
• Cannot repeat words
• Disconnect comprehension from production

Question 7

classic model of language

Answer 7

A – Storage of word sounds (Wernicke’s area)

M – Speech planning and programming (Broca’s Area) B – Conceptual/semantic stores of word meanings