Language is defined as a system with external aspects relating to speech production and internal aspects involving cognition and symbolism. "The internal aspects include complex mapping and simulation of the world and consciousness (thought), while the external aspects include the expressions of the system shared between individuals in the form of gesture, vocalizations, or articulate speech (communication)" (Schepartz 1993). The external aspects that are related to speech production are the brain and the vocal tract, each of which have necessary requirements. The brain for example must have a minimum volume, the Wernicke and Broca’s areas of the brain, as well as surface and hemisphere asymmetries. The internal aspects of the brain that are necessary for language are cognition and symbolism.
Schepartz, L.A. “Language and Modern Human Origins.” Yearbook of Physical Anthropology. 36 (1993): 91-126. Wiley Online Library. Web. 30 Sep. 2012.
No comments:
Post a Comment