Wk 7: Key Notes on Language, Brain Function, and Communication

Overview

  • By the end of this session, you will

    • Gain knowledge of key speech, language, and communication terminology

    • Describe parts of the brain involved in language processing

    • Understand some language symptoms and syndromes associated with brain injury

    • Identify factors associated with changes in the brain

Basic Terminology

  • Speech: Verbal means of communicating, encapsulating how sounds and words are articulated.

    • Articulation: How speech sounds are produced using the mouth, lips, and tongue.

    • Voice: Production of sounds with vocal folds and breath.

    • Fluency: The rhythm and flow of speech.

  • Language: Words used for communication and how these words convey ideas. It includes:

    • Receptive language: Understanding spoken language.

    • Expressive language: Using words and sentences to communicate needs.

  • Communication: The exchange of information, ideas, or needs among people, necessitating consideration of others' perspectives (Harley, 2001).

Key Areas of the Brain in Language

  • Cerebral Cortex: The outer layer of the brain, critical for language representation and processing.

  • Hemispheres:

    • The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body and is often associated with language tasks.

    • The right hemisphere controls the left side and contributes to pattern recognition and holistic processing.

Functions of the Brain Hemispheres

  • Each hemisphere has specialized functions:

    • Left Hemisphere: Involved in analytic tasks such as math and language.

    • Right Hemisphere: Handles complex patterns, emotions in tone of voice, and spatial understanding.

Language Disorders

  • Common language disorders arise from damage predominantly in the left hemisphere (90-95%). Examples include:

    • Broca's aphasia: Difficulties in speech production, comprehension remains relatively intact.

    • Wernicke's aphasia: Fluent speech with poor comprehension, marked by paraphasias and neologisms.

    • Conduction aphasia: Normal comprehension but poor repetition, due to lesions in the arcuate fasciculus.

    • Global aphasia: Significant impairments in all communication aspects (production, comprehension, repetition).

Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation

  • Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize itself in response to learning or after injuries.

  • Principles of neuroplasticity include:

    • Use it or lose it: Skills not practiced weaken.

    • Use it and improve it: Regular practice enhances skills.

    • Repetition matters: More repetitions facilitate new neural connections.

    • Intensity matters: Higher intensity leads to better learning outcomes.

    • Age matters: Younger brains exhibit greater adaptability.

Conclusion

  • Effective rehabilitation can lead to substantial recovery even years after injury. Emphasizing social aspects of communication is essential for effective therapy.