Why We Do What We Do

chapter fiveOur Brain and Language

‘Without language one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot understand their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry or savour their songs.’

NELSON MANDELAAnti-apartheid revolutionary, politician and philanthropist (1918–2013)

ABOUT THIS CHAPTER

Language is one of our most significant evolutionary adaptations. Our ability to communicate using language is fundamental to our success as humans. Through our use of words, nuance and tonality, we are able to convey different meanings and levels of intensity in a way that is not possible for animals.

For the last 150 years, scientists have been studying the way we formulate and interpret language. Our extensive linguistic ability has enabled us to develop ideas, transform societies and incite others to action.

This chapter looks at language – both written and spoken – and how it works in our brain. Research is continuing in this area and there is much about our language systems and pathways that we are still discovering today.

Part 1: The science explained

Where is language processed in our brain?

When we hear a word, our brain determines whether it recognises the word and its meaning. Scientists have used brain imaging to localise where in the brain we hear sounds and then where we process language (see Figure 5.1).

FIGURE 5.1: Our language pathways ...