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Brain Lateralization and Language

In: Philosophy and Psychology

Submitted By Jillibean67
Words 511
Pages 3
Brain Lateralization and Language
Reflection Paper
PSY/340
9/14/15
University of Phoenix

The brain is divided into two hemispheres with the corpus callosum connecting them. Each side of the brain is responsible for different functions. Most mental functions are distributed across both hemispheres, but there are explicit processes that are specialized to one hemisphere or the other. For example, both sides of the brain perform functions related to language. But in most people, grammar and vocabulary are localized to the left side of the brain, while understanding the emotional content of language is a function of the right hemisphere. Most of what we know about the organization of language functions in the adult human brain comes from the study of patients with focal brain lesions (DeVilliers, 2015). Damage to the left hemisphere is more likely to cause language disturbances, especially in right handed people (but not exclusively). The two areas of the brain that are best known for language functions are Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area. Researchers are divided as to the exact role these two areas play in language processing and production. Damage to Broca’s area causes problems with language fluency such as using shorter sentences, impaired flow of speech, poor control of rhythm and intonation (prosody), and telegraphic style with missing inflections and function words (DeVilliers, 2015). We often see rapid, yet fluent speech in damage to Wernicke’s area, but speech is also relatively empty of content (DeVilliers, 2015). The patient may use invented words and word substitutions. Reviews of literature concerning children and infants with focal brain damage have shown researchers the plasticity of the brain when developing language skills (Josse, Seghier, Kherif, & Price, 2008). These studies suggest that the two hemispheres have equal potential for

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