Anthropology Language and Linguistics

Language and Linguistics

Speech is Physical and Mental

Humans are equipped with sophisticated machinery for producing and hearing speech. Speech is a physical activity involving both gestures (in the case of signed languages) and anatomical components such as the diaphragm, ears, vocal cords and such (in the case of oral languages). It is also a mental activity, involving the brain in all its complexity, such as the ability to decode, interpret and perceive. Researchers study all aspects of language and its perception—from the generation of speech sounds and their acoustical properties to how language gets processed by the brain.

Human anatomy is uniquely constructed for language.

In the speaker (right), the brain controls all mental and physical aspects of speaking. Sounds begin as breath expelled from the lungs. On its journey to the mouth, the air vibrates as it is forced through the vocal cords. The mouth, nose and tongue modify this vibrating air to form sound waves. Facial expressions and gestures also play a role in communication. In the listener (left), sound waves enter the ear and are then analyzed into words by the brain.

Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation

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The physical and mental aspects of speech are closely intertwined. In an environment full of sounds, the brain manages to discern and make sense of speech. Yet researchers are finding that our experiences with language can also alter the brain and shape how it functions. In fact, the first language we learn influences our perception of everything we hear later.

Today, researchers are uncovering new aspects of the physical and mental basis of language.

By Nicole Mahoney

THE BRAIN AS CONTROLLER

Steps that trigger speech: Many areas of the brain work together to control speech, as illustrated. The specific regions used differ slightly for reading aloud or engaging in conversation. The visual cortex (1A) is engaged when reading aloud while the auditory cortex (1B) predominates during conversation.

Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation

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HEARING MECHANICS

Steps involved in hearing speech: Sound signals travel from the ear to the brain where they are recognized and decoded, as detailed in the illustration.

Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation

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SPEECH PRODUCTION

Steps to speech production: The brain controls all aspects of speech—physical and mental—triggering the six steps illustrated.

Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/linguistics/speech.jsp

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