Diving Into The Brain Part 1: Language Generation and Comprehension
Several different squares showing different pictures of brain scans.
For the next three weeks we will be diving into the brain. Exploring and talking about the brain is a passion of mine and, since it is a topic that is related to mental health and sport and performance psychology, it was time to dive in. This week we will look at the area of the brain involved in language. Next week we will look at the areas of the brain involved in emotion. In the final week the threads will come together and we will look at how language and emotion may be connected and feature a discussion about issues related to culture and diversity.
The discussion below will break down the different areas of the brain, in reality there is so much going on in the connections between the different areas. There is not one unified language area in the brain for linguistic processing, as different brain systems serve different aspects of language processing (Kuman et al., 2019). Furthermore, the central aspects of language generation and comprehension are subserved by a shared neural circuitry (Hagoort & Indefrey, 2014).
Let’s call a spade a spade. It can be super boring to just read about brain structures. So let’s make it much more fun and interesting. Brainfacts.org has a fantastic 3D model of the brain that anyone can access. It allows you to look at different structures from different angles, pull layers away, etc. While reading and learning about these parts of the brain have the 3D brain pulled up so that you can really dive in. Click here to go to the 3D Brain!
Broca’s area
Linked to speech production, Broca’s area is located in the frontal lobe of the brain and has also been linked to a role in language comprehension. This area works in conjunction with working memory to allow people to use verbal expression and spoken words (Lumen, n.d.).
If damage occurs in this area, the result may be productive aphasia or an inability to speak but the ability to understand language remains.
Wernicke’s area
Linked to speech comprehension, Wernicke’s area is located in the cerebral cortex and plays a role in understanding written and spoken language (Lumen, n.d.).
If damage occurs in this area, the result may be receptive aphasia which manifests as a loss of comprehension. People who are experiencing this type of aphasia can still speak but their language is nonsensical and incomprehensible.
Primary motor cortex
In order to speak clearly, the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and throat need to move which is how the primary motor cortex comes into play. The information incoming from Broca’s area is taken in and then the motor cortex tells the muscles of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, and throat how to move to form speech (Healthline, 2017).
Middle temporal gyrus
The middle temporal gyrus subserves language and semantic memory processing, visual perception, and multimodal sensory integration (Friederici, 2011).
Superior temporal gyrus
The superior temporal gyrus is the location of the auditory association cortex and a site of multisensory integration. Because of its role, it plays some role in spoken word recognition (Friederici, 2011).
Superior Temporal Sulcus
The chameleon of the human brain, the superior temporal sulcus, has been identified as playing a role in a key structure for the theory of mind as well as the main region for audiovisual integration. Furthermore, it plays a role in biological motion perception and has been implicated in speech processing and processing of faces (Hein & Knight, 2008).
Auditory Cortex
Located in the temporal lobe and connected to the auditory system, the primary auditory cortex is set up so that it responds to neighboring frequencies in other cells in the cortex. It’s responsible for identification of pitches and loudness of sounds (Lumen, n.d.).
Angular Gyrus
Located in the parietal lobe of the brain, the angular gyrus, has a hand in several language processes such as number processing, spatial recognition, and attention (Lumen, n.d.).
Arcuate Fasciculus
A band of nerves that connects Wernicke’s and Broca’s areas, the arcuate fasciculus helps people form words, speak clearly, and understand concepts in language form (Healthline, 2017).
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is involved in language because it helps coordinate voluntary muscle movements like opening and closing your mouth, and it also controls language processing (Healthline, 2017).
There are many structures involved in language! This post did not go into great detail nor did cover everything that it could have when it comes to language and the brain. Hopefully, however, it was interesting to read a little bit more and play with the 3D brain structures online. Next week will be similar when discussing the brain and emotions. Part 3 is where we will bring everything together!
take action today moment:
Consider the role of the brain in your life and how you take care of your brain. Take it a step further and consider the connection between the brain and the body and the body’s role in language everything else we do. To form language we still need vocal cords, lips, mouth, tongue, etc. Take a moment to appreciate your brain and body for all that they do for you on a daily basis.
Learn More About language generation and comprehension:
How language shapes the way we think | Lera Boroditsky | TED
Episode 1: How does our brain process language?
Dr. Eddie Chang: The Science of Learning & Speaking Languages | Huberman Lab Podcast #95
References
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Friederici, A. D., (2011). The brain basis of language processing: From structure to function. Physiological Reviews, 91, 1357–1392. doi:10.1152/physrev.00006.2011
Hagoort, P., & Indefrey, P. (2014). The neurobiology of language beyond single words. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 37, 47–62. doi: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-071013-013847
Healthline. (2017, December 14). What Part of the Brain Controls Speech?. https://www.healthline.com/health/dysphasia#types
Hein, G., & Knight, R. T. (2008). Superior temporal sulcus--It's my area: or is it?. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 20(12), 2125–2136. https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn.2008.20148
Kumar, V., Das, J., & Bhattacharya, M. (2019). Neurobiology of language development: An update. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 9(1), 256–269.
https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR_Vol.9_Issue.1_Jan2019/39.pdf
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Lumen. (n.d.). Human Language and the Brain. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-hostos-child-development-education/chapter/human-language-and-the-brain/
Daum, I., Markowitsch, H., & Vandekerckhove, M. (2009). Neurobiological Basis of Emotions. In H. Markowitsch & M. Vandekerckhove (Eds.), Emotions as bio-cultural processes (pp. 111-138). Springer. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-09546-2_6
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (n.d.). Specific language impairment [Fact Sheet]. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/health/voice/Specific-Language-Impairment.pdf
Okon-Singer, H., Hendler, T., Pessoa, L., & Shackman, A. J. (2015). The neurobiology of emotion-cognition interactions: Fundamental questions and strategies for future esearch. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 9, Article 58. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2015.00058
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