neurolinguistique

Neurolinguistics is an interdisciplinary field that studies the neural mechanisms in the human brain that control the comprehension, production, and acquisition of language. It sits at the intersection of linguistics, neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive science. Researchers in neurolinguistics aim to understand how the brain processes language, identifying which brain regions are involved in different linguistic tasks such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

This field investigates language disorders, known as aphasias, which can result from brain damage, often due to stroke or injury. By studying the specific language deficits exhibited by individuals with aphasia, neurolinguists can infer the functions of the affected brain areas. Key areas of study include the relationship between brain structure and language function, the development of language in children, and the impact of aging on linguistic abilities.

Techniques used in neurolinguistics include neuroimaging methods like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and electroencephalography (EEG) to observe brain activity during language processing. Lesion studies, examining individuals with specific brain damage, also provide crucial insights. Neurolinguistics seeks to build a comprehensive model of how the brain represents and manipulates linguistic information, contributing to our understanding of both language and the brain.