...Brain Lateralization and Language Reflection Brain Lateralization is a process that certain functions are located on one specific side of the brain or another (Stout, n.d.). The brain is broken into two different hemispheres, the right and the left hemispheres. Both hemispheres play important roles in the functions of language. The left side of the brain controls the grammar and vocabulary. The right side of the brain is responsible for the emotional content of language ("Lateralization", n.d.). If the brain is damaged, depending on where the damage is can affect language and the understanding that you have when a person speaks. Traumatic Brain Injury, also known as TBI, is an example of how a brain injury can affect the language. A TBI happens when there is damage to the brain. It can occur in either open or closed form. When the TBI occurs and causes problems with language a person can develop difficulty in understanding or producing speech, because of the weaken muscles they may have problems with slurred speech, and may have problems programming oral muscles for speech production ("Traumatic Brain Injury ", n.d.). When a brain injury occurs the damage can be permanent or in some cases can be treated. Speech pathologists often work to help heal the harm experienced trough TBI or other brain injuries. They can sometimes help to train the muscles and brain to be able to speak and understand again. References Lateralization. (n.d.). Retrieved from...
Words: 288 - Pages: 2
...Brain Lateralization and Language Reflection By: You Know Who The brain is divided into two parts which can be described as the right and left hemisphere. Each side of the brain is responsible for various mental functions, but there are certain functions that both the right and left brain are responsible for individually. Lateralization occurs when a specific hemisphere of the brain specializes in a certain mental process. For instance, the right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for understanding emotional language content, while the left side is responsible for grammar and our vocabulary. A study conducted to determine the functional relevance of lateralization differences revealed that “subjects with weak lateralization (more bilaterality) were less affected by either left- or right-side TMS than were subjects with strong lateralization to one hemisphere. Thus in some people, language processing seems to be distributed evenly between the hemispheres, allowing for ready compensation after a unilateral lesion” (Knecht et al., 2002). Trauma to the brain can cause language disruption which is known as aphasia. One of the major types of linguistic deficits is what is known as “global aphasia” which is when an individual is able to speak very little and understand very little with long lasting language deficits (Knecht et al., 2002). This happens when major damage is done to the left hemisphere of the brain. Even though this can be the most devastating type of brain trauma...
Words: 289 - Pages: 2
...There are four methods of cerebral lateralization to study the different functionalities of the left and right hemispheres. These methods include the sodium amytal test, the dichotic listening test, and functional brain imaging moreover, the relation between handedness and language lateralization method. In the sodium amytal test, patients’ language abilities are assessed by a neurosurgeon before going into surgery. In the sodium amytal test, sodium amytal is injected into the carotid artery on a side of the neck (Pinel, 2009). The injection anesthetizes the hemisphere on that side for a few minutes, which allows capacities of the other hemisphere to be properly assessed (Pinel, 2009). In the dichotic listening test, "Three pairs of spoken digits are presented through earphones; the digits of each pair are presented simultaneously, one to each ear" (Pinel, 2009). An example of this process may be a subject maybe hearing a particular sequence 3, 9, 2 through one ear and at the same time 1, 6, 4 through the other ear; and then the subject will be asked to report all the digits at the end of the sequence. The test reveals that the left hemispere is the one that most people show dominance in because they hear slightly better in their right ear. In functional brain imaging, while the subject engages in some activity, such as reading, the activity of the brain is monitored by positron emission tomography (PET) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) (Pinel, 2009)...
Words: 300 - Pages: 2
...Cerebral Lateralization and Functionality PSY/240 Many studies have been conducted in cerebral lateralization revealing different functionalities of the left and right hemispheres. Cerebral lateralization is the process which the two hemispheres of the brain increasingly specialized in particular tasks. There are four methods of cerebral lateralization to study the functions of the right and left hemisphere of the brain. These methods include the sodium amytal test, the dichotic listing test, and functional brain imaging. The forth method of cerebral lateralization is comparing the effects of unilateral left and right hemisphere brain lesions. The sodium amytal test is a language lateralization that is given to patients before neurosurgery. During this test the patient is injected with a small amount of sodium amytal into the carotid artery on one side of the neck. The injection anesthetizes the hemisphere on that side for a few minutes, thus allowing the capacities of the other hemisphere to be assessed (Pinel, 2011). The patients are then asked to recite things such as numbers or letters to see if they still have the ability to speak. The dichotic listening test is a noninvasive test. This test can also be given to health people. In the standard dichotic listening test, three pairs of spoken numbers are presented through earphones; the numbers of each pair are presented simultaneously, one to each ear (Pinel, 2011). Then the individual is asked to repeat the numbers...
Words: 353 - Pages: 2
...Hemispheres of the Brain Our brain is divided into two main hemispheres, the left and the right. Each hemisphere is dominant in certain functions. Click either the left or the right hemisphere of the brain below and fill in the hemisphere’s appropriate functions. LEFT HEMISPHERE RIGHT HEMISPHERE [pic] Reference: Pinel, J. P. J. (2009). Biopsychology. Boston, MA: Pearson. Post a 200- to 300-word response to the following: Many studies have been conducted on cerebral lateralization revealing different functionalities of the left and right hemispheres. Describe four methods for studying cerebral lateralization. The four methods for studying cerebral lateralization include the sodium amytal test, studying the effects of the brain lesions on both the left and right hemispheres, functional brain imaging, and the dichotic listening test. The sodium amytal test involves injecting the sodium amytal into the carotid artery on either the left or right side of the neck which affects a corresponding hemisphere of the brain. The sodium amytal has an anesthetizing effect on the brain which allows researchers to study the language functionality of either or both hemispheres. The researchers will perform a series of tests on the patient while the brain is anesthetized. (Pinel, 2009) Studying the effects of the brain lesions on both the left and right hemispheres is the earliest research done with cerebral lateralization. During this time...
Words: 484 - Pages: 2
...Plasticity: brain plasticity is a term which is used to refer the brain's unique ability to constantly change, grow, and remap itself over the course of a lifetime. The “plastic” in this sense refers to “moldable,” rather than to the family of products derived from petrochemicals. This distinctive trait makes the brain a very valuable organ, as it can constantly adapt itself to deal with new input and information. All animals possess this characteristic to some extent, although most studies have focused specifically on the workings of the human brain. Lateralization: the lateralization of human brain is the idea that the left and right sides of the brain carry out and regulate a variety of different functions and behaviors. Each of the two hemispheres is responsible for a distinct set of duties in brain lateralization; the left side handles analytical, logical, and verbal thought processes while the right oversees more sensitive processes, like feelings, intuition, and sensory matters. The duties of the two hemispheres are reversed in left-handed individuals. The thought that the two hemispheres manage these brain functions and behaviors for the overall operation of the individual and can be utilized as a situation demands is the theory behind brain lateralization. Autonomy: autonomy is a complex socio-cognitive system, subject to internal and external constraints, which manifests itself in different degrees of independence and control of one’s own learning process. It involves...
Words: 282 - Pages: 2
...FIRST AND SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION http://www.literature.freeservers.com/image_polat/ccfsla.html | The Critical Period Hypothesis | Neurological Considerations Psychomotor Considerations Cognitive Considerations Affective Considerations Linguistic ConsiderationsIn the Classroom: The Audiolingual Method | The increased pace of research on first language acquisition in the 60s and 70s attracted the attention not only of linguists of all kinds but also of educators in various language-related fields. Today the applications of research findings in first language acquisition are widespread. In language arts education, for example, it is not uncommon to find teacher trainess studying first language acquisition, particularly acquisition after age 5, in order to improve their understanding of the task of teaching language speaker to native speakers. In foreign language education most standard text and curricula now include some introductory material in first language acquisition. The reason for this are clear: We have all observed children acquiring their first language easily and well, yet the learning of second language, particularly in an education setting, often meets with great difficulty and sometimes failure. We should therefore able to learn something from a systematic study of that first language learning experience. The purpose of this chapter is to set forth explicity some of the paramters for comparing and contrasting the two types of language acquisition. ...
Words: 3474 - Pages: 14
...Cerebral Lateralization and Functionality Jennifer Long PSY/240 September 21, 2014 Sharemah Payne There are four ways to test for cerebral lateralization. These include sodium amytal test, the dichotic listening test, functional brain imaging, and the effects of unilateral left- and right-hemisphere brain lesions. The sodium amytal test is a test that is given prior to patients who are undergoing neurosurgery for language lateralization. A surgeon uses the test results to plan the surgery. The test involves an injection of sodium amytal in the carotid artery which anesthetizes the hemisphere on the side injected. Once injected the patient is then asked to recite a series of known letters, days of the week and to name objects in a picture. Then the test is repeated on the other side. When the side left side is anesthetized the patient is completely mute for a minute or two, the ability to talk returns but there are errors of serial order and naming. When the right side was anesthetized mutism does not occur at all, and few errors where done. The dichotic listening test is noninvasive in which the patient is given three pairs of spoken digits through earphones. The digits are given simultaneously, one to each ear, and then asked to repeat all of the numbers, six total. Most people report more numbers from the right ear than the left ear. The functional brain imaging involves the subject doing some activity, such as reading the brain is then monitored by positron emission...
Words: 291 - Pages: 2
...Using the Correlational Method to Study the Divided Brain The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the correlational method as a means for examining the relationship between functions of the left and right hemispheres. I will compare the performance of people with intact brains with the performance of so-called split-brain patients. In many ways, the brains of these two groups are very similar. 1a. The brainstem of a normal brain is located within the region that connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord. The brainstem in the normal brain is an intermediary relaying messages between various body parts and the brain. It also controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. The functions of the brainstem remain the same in both normal...
Words: 1266 - Pages: 6
...the brain processes, stores, and organizes information into learning has been studied for centuries—yet it has only been in the past few hundred years that true breakthroughs in the cognitive sciences has been observed. Arguably one of the most essential discoveries in brain function lies within the compartmentalization of mental, emotional, logistical, motor, and cognitive capabilities, this process began in earnest with the discovery of Broca's Area through the diagnosis of a particular symptom of trauma—Broca's aphasia. To understand the overall picture of this convoluted problem we must first examine the historical foundations through which aphasia was diagnosed. From there we will attempt to dissect the process of language evolution and attempt to recognize where aphasia fits within the equation of language structure. From structure, we must then look even closer to the actual biology of the neural network to examine how learning and language develops in order to assist in the therapy of aphasics the world over. Broca's area is a portion of the brain in the left temporal lobe which has been attributed to the process of speech. The term “aphasia” is derived from the Greek, aphatos, meaning “without speech”; although not all forms of aphasia silence the aphasic. As opposed to a learning disability which one grows up with, nor with diseases such as Alzheimer’s, aphasias are typified by beginning very suddenly with a trauma to particular portions of the brain. Thus...
Words: 4125 - Pages: 17
...Chapter 2: Neuroscience & Behavior * Neurons * Nervous system cells * Highly specialized cell that communicates information in electrical and chemical form * Types: * Motor- signals muscles to relax and contract * Sensory- conveys information to the brain * Interneurons- communicates information from one neuron to the next * Parts of Neurons * Dendrite- receives information from other cells * Soma (Cell Body)- contains the nucleus * Axon: carries information * Glial Cells * Another cells in the nervous system * Outnumber Neurons * Provide Nutrition * Structural Support * Aid in Neural Transmission * Remove Waste * Produce Myelin Sheath * Myelin Sheath * A white fatty covering wrapped around axons of some neurons that increases their communication speed * Damage to the Myelin related to Multiple Sclerosis * Node of Ranvier * The “naked” portion of the axon between myelin sheaths * Communication within Neurons * Action Potential- a brief electrical impulse transmitting information along the axon of a neuron * Action potential travels along axon of presynaptic neuron; triggers release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles * Axon membrane is semi-permeable * The axon membrane opens and closes ion channels that allow ions to flow into and out of the axon * Ions- electrically...
Words: 947 - Pages: 4
...What exactly happens in people that learn to use multiple languages with reasonable skill and comprehension? They are aptly called multilingual, and depending on the time of learning, the acquisition of language is classified into simultaneous or sequential. For example, English and French was taught to a Mandarin-speaking child. English was learned sequentially after Mandarin, and English was learned simultaneously after French. How is simultaneous and sequential learning different from each other? Simultaneous multilingualism occurs when very young children, below the age of two4, or without the essential establishment of their L1, are exposed to multiple languages5. This leads to the acquisition of multiple L1, most often manifesting...
Words: 918 - Pages: 4
...PRESCHOOL Just look at this→think of examples for all of them Chapter 7: Physical & Cognitive Development • Growth & ability of the body Right/ left handedness emerges early Bone ossification Gross motor skills • Brain lateralization—certain cognitive functions are located more in 1 hemisphere of brain than other→ become more pronounced during preschool years o Right vs. Left hemisphere specialization • Left hemisphere- speaking, reading, thinking & reasoning • Right Hemisphere- Spatial relationships, pattern recognition & emotional expression (global processing) o What are examples of skills associated with the right and left hemisphere? o Some specialization of each hemisphere, BUT each can perform most tasks of the other. EX: right hemisphere does some language processing and does important role in language comprehension • Piaget’s preoperational stage of cognitive development (early childhood: 2—6) o Children at this time increase in use of symbolic thinking, mental reasoning, use of concepts.. Representational thought • EX: seeing moms car keys(symbol) prompts u to ask “are we going to the store?” • Primarily defined by limitations. Characterized by centration o Aren’t capable of operations→ organized/formal mental process that develops in school-aged children o Confuses own POV w/ others & cant consider multiple characteristics of stuff o Period of centration- concentrating on 1 limited aspect of stimulus & ignoring other stimulus. (EX: a cat w/ dog...
Words: 1374 - Pages: 6
...INTRODUCTION The human brain is a complex organ that begins to grow and develop at just four weeks prenatal and continues on changing and developing until a person’s death (Boyd & Bee, 2012). A person’s heredity and genes play a part in this development however a person’s experience also shapes the development of the brain. The age old debate of nature verse nurture can be applied to brain development. The following discussion will take the reader on a journey through the development of the brain from its prenatal development to its development in old age. The reader will see that it is the combination of both genes and the environment which shapes the brain. The report will show that both nature and nurture are required to develop a healthy brain. DISCUSSION The human brain is set apart from other animal in its ability relay thoughts and mental states including desires, ideas, and intentions to other individuals. This concept is referred to as theory of mind and to date has not been seen in any other animal (Harmony, 2008). The question is what shapes the brain? Is it shaped by a person’s genes or is it the environment that person lives in. The answer is both. The human brain needs both genes and experience in order to develop healthily and to its fullest potential. Brain Development Prenatal The human brain begins to development well before birth. By the sixth week of pregnancy, an embryo’s brain is able to move in response to stimuli and by week eight the brain connects with...
Words: 2184 - Pages: 9
... In the Department of English Language and Literature Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University Trishal, Mymensingh. Supervisor- Md. Afaz Uddin Lecturer Department of English Language and Literature Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University Trishal, Mymensingh. Date: November 05, 2012. Corresponding Authors: Name ID Hosneara Khatun 087 Jyotirmoyee Barman 097 Mahbubul Alam 064 Nazbina Ferdousy Nazneen Sultana O53 Nusrat Jahan 086 Nusrat Tanzin 103 Samiya Tarannum O88 ABSTRACT Language performance of human being is inseparably related to the brain. There are some specific areas in the brain that are responsible for language understanding, organizing and producing. Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area are two such type of crucial areas of the brain which are, if affected or injured, responsible for linguistic problems, respectively known as Broca’s Aphasia and Wernicke’s Aphasia. Aphasia is a disorder of communication that impairs a person’s ability to use and comprehend language. Broca’s Aphasia is recognizable when the...
Words: 4654 - Pages: 19
