Introduction to linguistics

1. Introduction to linguistics Language and the brain

2. Neurolinguistics Where is the language ability located? For sure it is located in the brain. How do we know this? Because some of the people who have brain injuries lose their ability to use language correctly. But we need to know in which part of the brain it is located. The study of the relationship between language and the brain is called Neurolinguistics.

3. Parts of the brain There are specific parts of the brain related to language functions. The brain is divided into two parts: the right and left hemisphere. Language functions are mostly located in the left hemisphere. How do we know this??

5. Parts of the brain Broca's area: the area in the brain responsible for speech production (also called anterior speech cortex). Wernicke's area: the area in the brain responsible for speech comprehension (also called posterior speech cortex). Motor cortex: the area that controls movement of muscles. Arcuate fasciculus: the bundle of nerves that connect Broca's and Wernicke'e areas.

6. Localization view The view that certain parts of the brain are assigned certain language functions is called the localization view. This view suggests a specific pattern in which the human brain processes language. It might be viewed as too simple.

7. Aphasia Some problems that we humans have with producing and processing language are temporary like slips of the tongue, slips of the air and the tip of the tongue phenomenon But there are language disorders that are permanent like aphasia. Aphasia is an impairment of language functions due to localized brain damage that leads to difficulty in understanding and/or producing language.

8. The critical period The specialization of the left hemisphere for language functions is called lateralization. Since humans are not born with mastery of language, it is assumed that this process starts in early childhood. During this period it is considered that the human brain is most ready to receive input and learn language. This is called the critical period. This period starts with birth but scholars disagree on how long it lasts. Some say until puberty and other say until the age of 5. But there is a general agreement that if a child does not acquire language during this period, he/she will not be able to gain full mastery of language after that. As in the case of Genie.

9. First Language Acquisition The study of how children learn their L1 Basic requirements Stages False ideas

10. Second Language Acquisition The study of how people learn a second language Learning vs acquisition Foreign language vs second language Difference between L1A & L2A Teaching methods: grammar-translation, audiolingual and communicative.