Understanding a language: A new study on how our brains work

Language is a super important way we talk and understand each other in our society. 

A scientist named Dr. Sabrina Turker from the Max Planck Institute did a big study to learn how our brains work with language. 

Now we understand how our brain processes languages way better.

How it was tested

Scientists looked at over 400 experiments with 7,000 people using brain scans. This helped them understand how our brains handle language.

They didn't just look at language as a whole, but they also broke it down into smaller parts like how words and sentences have meaning (semantics), how words sound (phonology), how words are put together (syntax), and how we use tone and rhythm when we talk (prosody).

The study found that not only the well-known parts of the brain for language in the left hemisphere are important, but also other areas deep in the brain, like the cerebellum and the right amygdala. 

These parts are involved in understanding the meaning of words, processing sounds, and even the emotions linked to language.

Why it's important

This research can help us better understand how our brains work with language. 

It might also be useful for people recovering from brain injuries, like strokes, and help improve our models of language processing. 

So, language isn't just about words; it's also about how our brains make it all work.
 

• Related news:
• research
• languages
• brain
• 2 November 2023

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