Book of Knowledge

Where and How is Language Processed?

Language is a more than a form of communication. It can activate the listener's senses, and it can trigger the feeling of lost sensations. But where is all this information processed?

Language is processed in the left hemisphere of the brain where speech and comprehension is produced. However, scientists have discovered that language is not kept in only one hemisphere of the brain. When we retain new material pertaining to languages our brain grows. Also word association is found all over the brain. The location depends on either the subject or meaning.

Scientist conducted an experiment where they monitored the brains of several different people listening to music. The different words triggered different brain areas. However, the group of people in the experiment were all English speakers.

So then, where in the brain is another language stored? People who speak more than one language have separate neuro-pathways for the different languages they speak. But, all pathways are triggered when one speaks. So the person is self consciencely suppressing other languages.

When we learn new languages the language patterns are imprinted on our brain forever. So next time you communicate, make sure you take time to appreciate all the intricate things your brain does for you.