The two chapters from How Language Works reminded me of the objective and scientific nature of linguistics. Often, language appears messy and abstract with polysemic words, fluctuations in formality and obscure idioms. There are so many parts of language that feel uncontrollable and random. However, the study of linguistics attempts to tame the abstract concept of language through categorization, established linguistic formulas and neurological studies. I find it both strange and liberating in observing the systematic nature of linguistics when the same elements (words, sentences, syntax, etc.) of this field make up the great novels of William Faulkner and Maya Angelou. It is fascinating to see that their complex language can be broken down so precisely and scientifically by linguistic scholars.
The Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area were emphasized as especially important for speech production and comprehension. Any damage to these areas of the brain may impair someone’s ability to produce or understand speech. It’s incredible to think that these small parts of matter can determine a person’s ability to understand and communicate with others. When I speak in my first language of English, these biological processes happen quickly and seamlessly. However, every time I start to learn a new language, my brain’s speech and comprehension abilities seem to chug along at a snail-like pace. In these moments, I truly realize the incredible processing power of the human brain and its capacity to complete multi-step processes in seconds.
Language cannot be considered a purely biological phenomenon when considering the influence of individual cultures and histories on language. The processing and production of words may belong to a more biological process, but linguistic nuisances such as intonation, body language and pronunciation likely are created outside of the neurological processing of one individual. The cultural and social context/environment surrounding a person likely influences the content being processed by the brain.
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