Neurolinguistics

Objectives of the course

Gives the basics of neurolinguistics – the study of the way our brains produce, store and process language and about what we can learn from the way our brains work about the language and the language faculty.

Prerequisites

In order to successfully participate in in-class discussions and to follow the lectures, the student should take the introductory linguistic courses. This course is related to other courses in the Language curriculum, in particular psycholinguistics.

Assessment methods

Attending lectures, a term paper, active participation in in-class discussions.

Course contents

In the introduction the structure of the brain is presented. Where the various language center lay and what is their function. Later various methods for studying the brain are presented (aphasia, imaging, acquisition and attrition ...). The question of cognition, the role of language and the way cognition and language influence each other are discussed.

Material discussed in lectures also forms the main part of recitations, where more time and care is devoted to the main issues. Emphasis is given to practical knowledge and actual analysis of language data.

Recommended reading

• Grodzinsky, Y. (2000). “The Neurology of Syntax: Language Use Without Broca's Area”. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 23.1, pp. 1-71.
• Caramazza, A., & Zurif, E. (1976). “Dissociation of Algorithmic and Heuristic Processes in Language Comprehension: Evidence from Aphasia”. Brain and Language, 3, pp. 572-582.
• Caplan, D. (1987). Neurolinguistics and Linguistic Aphasiology: An Introduction. Cambridge/New York: Cambridge University Press.
• Goodglass, H. (1993). Understanding Aphasia. San Diego: Academic Press