Unit 3-B (D):
The Brain and Language
Mr. McCormick
A.P. Psychology
Do-Now
(Discussion)

Why are psychologists interested in studying
language?

What enables humans to speak/understand
language, while other animals are unable to do so?

What cognitive processes must occur in order to
speak and understand language?
The Brain and Language

Several cognitive processes occur when
speaking and understanding language:

Reading words

Interpreting written words as sounds

Interpreting sounds as meanings

Speaking words

Pronouncing words
The Brain and Language:
Expression and Reception

Broca’s Area:
Controls language expression
 Directs muscle movements involved in speech
 Left frontal lobe


Wernicke’s Area:
Controls language reception/comprehension
 Left temporal lobe

Brain Areas Involved in
Language Processing
Brain Areas Involved in
Language Processing
By reading the words on
this screen, what areas of
the brain are you using?
Brain Activity When
Hearing/Speaking/Seeing Words
The Brain and Language:
Language Impairment

Aphasia:

Impairment of language

Damage to left hemisphere:

Broca’s Area (Impairing
speaking)

Wernicke’s Area (Impairing
understanding)
The Brain and Language:
Language Impairment
How does this psychological cartoon illustrate Aphasia?
Review


What functions of language are associated with
the following parts of the brain:

Broca’s Area

Wernicke’s Area
What is Aphasia?

What are its causes?

What are its symptoms?
Homework

Research Study Response #1: “One Brain or Two?”
(Pgs. 1-11)

Unit 3-B Quiz: “The Brain”

Chapter 4 Outline: “Nature, Nurture, and Human
Diversity”

Unit 3 Project: “3-D Brain Model”