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16909/Language Mechanisms and the Brain

Friedemann Pulvermüller

16909 Vorlesung


Ort: JK 29/118 (Habelschwerdter Allee 45)

Zeit: Di 18:00-20:00

Erster Termin: 15.10.2013

Unterrichtssprache: Englisch




Platzbeschränkung: nein

Teilnahmepflicht: nein/ja

Module zu dieser LV:

285bA1.5/ 369aA1.5  


The symbols, rules and representations underlying language describe human actions which are based on mechanisms realized in the brain. Linguistic descriptions can be considered to be appropriate if they adequately describe human actions, but linguistic descriptions can also aim at being accurate formulations of the underlying mechanisms making these actions possible. In this latter case, the question about the nature of language is therefore, realistically, a question about brain circuits. This lecture series will address questions about language at different levels, highlight important linguistic concepts and distinctions, and discuss their possible mechanistic basis in the human brain. In addition, the lectures will address brain activation patterns that index specific linguistic processes and patterns of linguistic deficits that arise from brain lesion or other focal functional impairment. Lectures cover the linguistic hierarchy, from words and speech sounds, to morphemes, phrases, sentences, grammar and communicative interaction. A main focus will be on semantics and questions about pragmatics will be touched upon. The relationship between language mechanisms and those of memory and attention will be discussed. Translational research will also be highlighted, addressing the field of language therapy after stroke, where linguistic theories led to new successful methods for clinical neurorehabilitation.

The lectures will be given in English, with discussion sections in both English and German.

Here you can find the programm for the lecture  "Language Mechanisms and the Brain" in PDF format.

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